Lafayette Region Maritime

Acadiana Propels Business

Significant marine operations ranging from ship building to offshore telecommunications in Acadiana take advantage of this South-Central Louisiana location, business-friendly climate, and location along the Gulf of Mexico.

Metal Shark

Metal Shark is a leading shipbuilder specializing in the design and production of boats and ships from its two locations in South Louisiana. Metal Shark offers purpose-built vessels for defense and security, law enforcement, fire rescue, pilot associations and port operators, passenger ferry and excursion boat operators, and many other commercial markets.

Global Data Systems (GDS)

Global Data Systems (GDS) is an industry leader in providing communications, IT and security solutions to the maritime services industry, including oil/gas, transportation, and other maritime sectors for the past 10 years. GDS can bring voice and data to any rig, workboat or inland marine fleet to connect anyone, anything, anywhere, anytime.

Incat Crowther

Incat Crowther offers a diverse range of solutions for demanding applications, with an emphasis on efficiency, reliability, safety and practicality. They offer an experienced staff with a variety of skills and disciplines, and can offer an unparalleled range of services.

Bold Incentives

Acadiana values its manufacturing industry, and will align state and local resources to provide customized incentive packages for businesses looking to grow. A few standard incentives are outlined below. You can find a full list of standard incentives here.

Industrial Tax Exemption Program

Provides a 100% property tax abatement for an initial five-year term with an option for a five-year renewal on manufacturer’s qualifying capital investments.

Quality Jobs Rebate

The Quality Jobs program offers a cash rebate for companies that create well-paid jobs and promote economic development in Louisiana.

A Quality Workforce

A right-to-work state for more than three decades, Louisiana ranks in the Top 10 for lowest rates of private workforce unionization. It is also home to LED FastStart, the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program, which creates customized workforce recruitment, screening, and training solutions. With a growing labor force of nearly 318,000 in the region, competitive wages, and a strong education pipeline, Acadiana’s workforce is waiting for you. A number of Louisiana universities have specific programs and research strengths related to the manufacturing industry and graduate new engineers each semester.

National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NACM)

Originally formed in 1999, the NACM is a state of the art research and production center focused on applying advanced manufacturing technologies to lightweight composite and metallic materials in support of the NASA space program and adjacent industries. Located at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, it is a partnership between NASA, Louisiana State University, the University of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

UL Lafayette’s College of Engineering is its largest undergraduate program boasting over 2,700 undergraduate students, 177 master’s students, and 41 PhD students representing 45 states and 25 countries. The college focuses on providing “hands-on” learning experiences with a strong emphasis on internship and cooperative learning experiences. Over 200 companies regularly recruit its Engineering and Technology graduates.

South Louisiana Community College (SLCC)

SLCC offers technical diplomas, workforce training, high school dual enrollment and two-year degree programs. It maintains 8 campuses across the Acadiana region, and offers 35 areas of study via traditional, evening, and web-based courses. SLCC is focused on job placement, and partners with industry to provide top-notch certification programs in machine tool technology, welding, and other technical fields.

Access and Infrastructure

Acadiana, a logistical hub, is strategically located at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 49, providing access to 38 interior states via the Mississippi River and countless international markets via the Gulf of Mexico. Within the Acadiana region alone are: FIVE coastal ports, TWO inland ports, TWO Class I rail systems, and TWO commercial airports.

To Learn More, Contact:

Emile Lege
Manager, Business Development
emile@oneacadiana.org
337-408-3663

A Better Bottom Line

  1. No. 4: Lowest Industrial Electricity Rate – U.S. Energy Information Administration, EIA
  2. No. 1: Workforce Training Program – Business Facilities
  3. No. 1: Speed for Permitting – Area Development
  4. No. 4: Favorable Regulatory Environment – Area Development

The Right Location is Waiting for You

We’ve got acres of opportunity.