Area Development
Pelican Energy Consultants, a company that provides comprehensive engineering and project management services to the energy industry, will retain its corporate headquarters and invest $5 million to expand its engineering center in Madisonville, Louisiana.

The company plans to complete its 35,000-square-foot office expansion by the end of 2018, creating an estimated 195 jobs in the state’s southeast region. The company currently employs 158 people in Louisiana, including 86 engineering center employees and 27 corporate employees in Madisonville, and 45 employees at its Metairie, Louisiana, engineering center. A significant driver of the company’s growth is its focus on engineering services in CO2 enhanced oil recovery, Louisiana Economic Development said.

“Pelican Energy is proud of our Louisiana heritage,” said CEO Kenny Bogle. “Many in the oil-and-gas industry are tempted to explore the Houston market as an option for an international headquarters. We believe that our purpose, which is to create a platform for people to improve their quality of life, is steeped in the vision of Louisiana. Governor Jindal, Secretary (Stephen) Moret and our local and regional partners have set the table for this vision to be realized. As an industry leader in CO2 enhanced oil recovery, we are always looking for the best and the brightest. And we’re certain that Louisiana’s LED Fast Start program will be of great value in assembling more team members to serve our clients globally.”

Gov. Bobby Jindal said, “Pelican Energy Consultants represents the best of Louisiana’s heritage as a leading energy state, delivering world-class engineering solutions and creating more quality career opportunities in the oil-and-gas sector. Pelican Energy chose to expand here in our state because of our globally acclaimed business climate, our world-class energy infrastructure and our highly skilled oil-and-gas workforce. This project will provide a platform for the continued growth of the oil-and-gas industry and will continue moving our economy forward for years to come.”

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered Pelican the comprehensive services of LED FastStart and the company is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs Program.

“Pelican Energy Consultants is a born-and-bred St. Tammany Parish company who could have gone anywhere to expand, but they wanted to call St. Tammany home,” Parish President Pat Brister said. “This dramatic expansion of jobs and capital investment by Pelican Energy is a testament to their success. Today’s announcement is yet another indication that our unique combination of a favorable business environment, strong sustainable talent pool, and high quality of life are the key attributes for making this one of the best business locations in the country.”

“We are delighted that Pelican Energy Consultants has chosen to expand in St. Tammany Parish,” said CEO Brenda Bertus of the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation. “EDF has worked with Pelican Energy Consultants for several years now and has watched this company develop into a national player in the energy field. As they experience one of their largest expansions, they will more than double employees in the upcoming years, producing jobs with an average salary of $90,000.”

“Pelican Energy’s decision to expand in Greater New Orleans marks a changing tide for energy companies who are considering where to locate and expand,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “This headquarters expansion proves that Greater New Orleans is the smart choice for energy companies looking to grow and prosper.”