KEY TAKEAWAYS: NPK Access Solutions will invest $40 million to expand its Carencro manufacturing facility. The project will increase production capacity by approximately 50% and add a new composite matting product line. The expansion is expected to create 38 direct jobs, retain 124 positions a nd generate 71 indirect jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with expanded operations expected by mid-2027.   NPK Access Solutions LLC will invest $40 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Carencro, increasing production capacity by about 50% while creating more than 100 new direct and indirect jobs in the Acadiana region. The company announced the expansion of its facility at 2900 Highway 93, where it has operated for nearly three decades. Construction is expected to begin in September, with the expanded manufacturing operations scheduled to come online by mid-2027. The project is expected to create 38 direct jobs while retaining 124 existing positions. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the expansion also is projected to generate 71 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to 109 new jobs across the region. The investment will add specialized manufacturing equipment and infrastructure to support new production capabilities, including a new line of recyclable composite matting products designed to meet changing industry performance standards. The company said the expansion will help meet growing demand from customers in the energy, utility and infrastructure sectors. Matthew Lanigan, president and chief executive officer of NPK International Inc., said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in its Louisiana operations and long-term business outlook. “This investment meaningfully expands our Carencro, Louisiana manufacturing operations and reflects our confidence in the long-term strength in our served end-markets and continued growth of our business,” Lanigan said in a statement. “Our decision to invest in Louisiana was driven by our nearly 30 years of successful operations at our Carencro facility, a skilled and dedicated local workforce, and the strong support we have received from state and local partners.” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the project strengthens the state’s manufacturing sector while creating new employment opportunities. To secure the expansion, the state offered NPK Access Solutions an incentives package that includes workforce training through the LED FastStart program. The company also is expected to participate in Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs. Local officials said the investment reinforces the region’s manufacturing base and economic growth. Carencro Mayor Charlotte Stemmans Clavier said the expansion builds on the company’s long history as a local employer, while Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet said the project will strengthen the parish’s industrial sector and create quality jobs. The Lafayette Economic Development Authority credited ongoing business retention efforts with helping keep the project in Lafayette Parish despite competition from other locations. One Acadiana also praised the expansion, calling it another sign of the region’s strength as a manufacturing hub serving critical infrastructure industries. NPK International manufactures, sells and rents recyclable composite matting products used for temporary worksite access in industries including electrical transmission, oil and gas, pipeline construction, renewable energy, petrochemical operations and infrastructure projects. The company also provides planning, logistics and site restoration services. ...read more read less