The Economic Development Department says 2018 was a strong year for new business taking root in the state.
The year was headlined by major announcements from foreign firms, and Secretary Don Pierson says capital is flowing in from around the world.
“Shintech’s announcement of 1.49 billion dollar expansion (in Plaquemine), Wanhua Chemical group for their (St. James) plant which will be 1.25 billion dollars,” said Pierson.
The highlight of 2017 was DXC Technology’s announcement of 2,000 high paying tech jobs in New Orleans. Pierson says 2018 was another year of substantial gains in the tech and software sectors.
“Accruent software with 350 technology jobs in New Orleans, Lafayette with CGI established another 400 jobs and in Shreveport-Bossier General Dynamics will grow,” said Pierson.
But, the state’s median household income still lags 14,000 dollars a year behind the national average. Pierson says they will keep emphasizing growth in high skill sectors that provide higher wages and make sure workers get the necessary training.
“We’re augmenting the opportunity for all of our citizens to be able to go to the learning institutions, our community colleges, our four-year universities and get the certificates or graduate degrees that they need,” said Pierson.
More information on workforce training programs, visit laworks.net.
