Richard’s Cajun Foods is expanding in the Town of Church Point.
Governor John Bel Edwards and Richard’s Cajun Foods Inc. President Ronnie Doucet announced that the company will invest $2.7 million to relocate some production and administrative functions and expand the company’s operations there.
With the expansion, the food processing company will retain 38 new jobs and create 12 new direct jobs, with an average annual salary of $35,000.
Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 16 new indirect jobs, for a total of 28 new jobs in the Acadiana region.
Church Point Mayor Russell Stelly says this expansion will put their town on the map.
“It’s going to be real beneficiary to the people of Church Point. It also expands our Cajun culture as far as Cajun foods so we’re very proud of that,” explains Mayor Stelly.
According to Todd Richard, Municipal City Clerk, this is video of Richard’s expanded facility located on 329 North Main St.
It will feature 28,000 square feet of production and office space.
News Ten reports, “How do you think the community, the town will respond to this expansion?”
“I think the town will be very, very happy since we have a new business coming in, promoting economic development and I think they’ll be very very pleased with it and of course offering new jobs,” adds Mayor Stelly. “That’s the biggest thing… creating new jobs.”
Richard’s Cajun Foods was formally established in 1981.
Mayor Stelly says city officials are working with Richard’s and are willing to help as much as they can.
“It will definitely be a great asset to the town of church point. We appreciate what they’re doing for us and of course the people of church point will support them,” says Mayor Stelly.
There will also be renovation of the existing facility on 1186 East Ebey street.
Mayor Stelly says the expansion will put the town on the map.
“Church Point’s a small community and we need as many jobs as possible and I think with this it’s going to help tremendously with the Town of Church Point,” Mayor Stelly explains.
The company anticipates construction beginning in January 2019, with completion by March 2019.
Commercial operations will not cease during the expansion, and hiring for the new jobs will begin in early 2019.