Baton Rouge-based Turner Industries announces it’s creating 1,000 jobs, as it’s building state-of-the-art nuclear fabrication facilities in New Iberia and Port Allen. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the facilities will be dedicated to the production of high-precision modules and nuclear-grade piping for the next generation of nuclear power.
“Louisiana’s got such a strong history in all things energy. There’s no reason we shouldn’t lead on this one as well,” Bourgeois said.
Turner Industries was founded in Baton Rouge in 1961. It’s one of the nation’s largest industrial contractors, with more than 9,300 employees and six offices statewide.
Turner Industries CEO Stephen Toups made the announcement at a nuclear power summit in New Orleans organized by the Landry administration. Bourgeois says Toups believes Louisiana should be at the center of the next wave of nuclear innovation.
“Stevie said, ‘Governor, I’m thinking about really expanding work in nuclear, and I’m thinking about doing it in Louisiana,’ to which the governor responded, ‘Stevie, I’m sitting on G and waiting on O. You tell me when you’re ready,'” Bourgeois recalled.
The nuclear fabrication facilities coming to West Baton Rouge and Iberia parishes will build pipes, modules and subassemblies for nuclear reactors. Each facility will see 500 new jobs with annual salaries of $77-,000 dollars.
There’s a renewed focus on nuclear power, because energy experts say it’s reliable and does not emit greenhouse gases. Bourgeois says it’s exciting to see a homegrown company meet the new demand.
“We are a power-first economy in this country and, frankly, in the world now. And the ability to continue to bring on additional safe, clean generation has to be the focus of not just our state, but others,” Bourgeois explained.
Environmentalists have expressed concern about the radioactive waste that carries health and safety risks.
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