Maritime International has announced it will invest $8 million in a manufacturing expansion project creating 90 direct jobs and 150 indirect jobs in Acadiana, Louisiana, over the next three years. Construction begins in 2012 and is expected to be finished within a year. The new jobs will pay an average salary of about $57,000 annually (plus benefits).

Maritime makes mooring systems and protective fenders for international harbors and the U.S. Navy. The company is moving its production from China to its plant in St. Martin Parish, LA. In addition, it will invest in robotic welding equipment to perform precision metal work in Broussard, and add 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space to its 65,000-sq.-ft. headquarters in Broussard, LA,

"We feel that in order to maintain the benchmark for quality we have set in our industry, this can best be delivered by enhanced control over our manufacturing process," said Maritime President David LeBlanc. "The technology is available to accomplish this, and with the support of LED, we are able to bring that technology to our back yard, create quality jobs and supply a superior product made here in Louisiana."

Louisiana is giving the company a performance-based, forgivable loan of $900,000 from its Economic Development Loan Opportunity Program. Additionally, Maritime will participate in workforce development training provided by the state, and is expected to use Louisiana's Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.