Without a doubt, manufacturing is the driver of the Capital Region economy. For over a century, Baton Rouge’s ideal location on the banks of the Mississippi River, low cost of utilities, and specialized, abundant workforce has attracted global players to establish major operations in the area. Baton Rouge is home to one of the most competitive logistics networks and complete multimodal transportation options in the country, with access to six major interstate highways, an extensive network of shallow and deep-water ports, and is in one of only two states where all six of North America’s class one railroads converge.
Workforce
The Baton Rouge Area has a readily available workforce, with nearly 17,000 existing workers in the sector and a consistent pipeline from two universities with engineering colleges in the region. Louisiana is a right-to-work state with very low unionization.
Incentives
Companies in the manufacturing sector may be eligible for state incentives, including:
- Quality Jobs Program: Up to a 6 percent rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and either a state sales/use tax rebate on capital expenses or a 1.5 percent project facility expense rebate for qualifying expenses.
- Industrial Tax Exemption Program: Property tax abatement for up to 10 years on a manufacturer's new investment and annual capitalized additions.
- Infrastructure Grants: Discretionary funds for assistance in the build-out of facilities.
- LED FastStart: The top workforce development program in the country, FastStart provides customized employee recruitment, screening, training development and training delivery for eligible, new or expanding companies — all at no cost.
Assets
The LSU College of Engineering is one of the top programs in the country, and consistently produces graduates with the problem-solving skills and specialized knowledge necessary for success in the manufacturing sector. The College partners directly with industry to promote the strategic value of translational research to the overall economic vitality of the state. Staff promotes promising research by assisting in the commercialization process and encouraging partnerships with industry on specific workforce solutions.
Sites
The Baton Rouge Area has 36 development-ready sites. View the full sites database.
– River-Plex MegaPark
At 17,000+/- acres, the megapark is the largest contiguous undeveloped tract of land on the deep water of the Mississippi River. With access to the Union Pacific Mainline, two possible deep draft locations on site, and access to numerous product pipelines including natural gas, ethane, ethylene, butante, and propane, the site offers unparalleled opportunity for major industry. The West Bank Industrial Overlay was created to encompass the site and establish expedited re-zoning, and the site qualifies for Opportunity Zone tax benefits.
– Port Allen Rail Terminal
This 290 acre site is a premier rail facility and industrial park designed for unit train and manifest shipping with direct access to both Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern. Customization of parcel size and build-to-suit services are available. The site is in close proximity to large industry and deep water draft facilities via the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.
– West Feliciana Industrial Park
With 547 of a total 1,357 available acres certified through the LED Certified Sites Program, the West Feliciana Industrial Park site has convenience built in and is development ready. The site features an active rail spur with Canadian National and shallow access to the Mississippi River.
Notable Employers
Featured News
School and Senior Meal Solution Manufacturer Focus Foods Announces 100-Job Expansion
Baton Rouge start-up provides 30,000 meals a week for K-12 students in seven parishes
COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY UNITED PROPOSES $42 MILLION INVESTMENT IN BATON ROUGE FACILITY
Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED is considering a $42 million investment to expand its bottling facility in Baton Rouge. The proposed expansion would create 15 direct new jobs, with an average salary of $43,000, plus benefits. Those new jobs, if created, would supplement the current 558 jobs, which will be retained on site at the Baton Rouge facility.
