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22,500 square-foot expansion of headquarters will result in 195 new direct and indirect jobs.

January 10, 2014‍

Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal and 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� CEO Kenny Robison announced the company will invest $2.3 million to construct a new office building at the company’s headquarters in Pineville. A leader in the electrical transmission and distribution sector, 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� has experienced solid growth, and the headquarters expansion will accommodate a growing staff with 22,500 additional square feet of office space. The new office building will be the fifth building at the 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� headquarters campus.

51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� will create 90 new direct jobs averaging $53,000 per year, plus benefits. LED estimates the project will result in another 105 indirect jobs, for a total of 195 new jobs. The new jobs created will include roles in engineering, forestry, business development and marketing. In addition, the company will retain 559 existing jobs in Louisiana. In November, 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� announced the development of a new $15 million galvanizing plant in Tangipahoa Parish that will create an additional 70 jobs for the company.

Gov. Jindal said, “With a second major announcement in three months, 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼�’ continued reinvestment in Louisiana is a testament to the strength of our world-class infrastructure, our great business climate and our unparalleled workforce. 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼�’ expanded headquarters will lead to strong jobs for Louisianians and will help power our economy for generations to come. We’re proud of 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� and its continued growth and we’re grateful for the company’s commitment to our state.”

With six business subsidiaries, 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� serves a global market of customers in the electric utility, commercial and industrial electrical contractor, and forestry industries. The 55-year-old company pursues a strategy of vertical integration to bring quality products and services to customers.

“As we grow and expand it’s important to us to continue to build on the foundation that we started over 50 years ago,” said Kenny Robison, president and CEO of 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼�. “51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼�’ roots are in Louisiana, and we are excited to be a part of building the local economy by locating our latest expansion in Pineville. We want to create quality jobs employing local workers and graduates and continue building freedom and prosperity in our communities. This marks the eleventh overall expansion for 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� companies in the Pineville area since 1981 and we are confident there will be more in the future.”

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1-ranked state workforce development program. In addition, the company is expected to utilize the state’s Enterprise Zone program.

“51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� is one of the best examples of the impact a family-owned company can have on a growing community,” Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields said. “Since 1958, the Robison Family has built and continues to expand on one of the leading employers in all of Central Louisiana. 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� has quietly made an impact on thousands of lives across our country and I could not be more proud that they call Pineville home.”

51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� will begin construction of the 22,500-square-foot expansion in early 2014, with completion scheduled for the end of the year. Hiring for the facility will begin in 2014, with the company expected to reach full employment of 90 new jobs at the Pineville headquarters in 2017.

“The expansion of 51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� is further evidence of the strength and vitality of Central Louisiana’s manufacturing sector,” said President and CEO Jim Clinton of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “51���ϱ�������ʷ�¼� is an innovative, locally owned company with great leadership and a commitment to excellence.”

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