Gulf Island Fabrication Inc., a leading fabricator of complex steel structures, modules and marine vessels, will expand its Shipyard Division workforce near Houma, Louisiana. The company plans to create 106 jobs.

“We are excited to partner with LED as we look to hire, develop and retain talent in our operations in Louisiana,” Gulf Island Fabrication Inc. President and CEO Richard W. Heo said. “This partnership will help build jobs and drive economic investments in the community, especially during these challenging and uncertain times. Due to our long duration contracts with the U.S. Navy and the National Science Foundation, we have an active recruiting effort underway for both professional and skilled craft positions, with an immediate need to hire over 100 craft individuals into our Shipyard Division.”

Louisiana Economic Development began discussions with Gulf Island about a potential workforce expansion in June 2020. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program for the past 11 years. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.

“Gulf Island has long been recognized as a leader in the construction and repair of marine vessels,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “Shipyards have been a pillar of our coastal economy for many years, and this employment expansion at the company’s shipyard facility near Houma is welcome news for Terrebonne Parish and the surrounding area. Gulf Island should find our skilled workforce in the Bayou Region ready and able to take on the shipyard’s increasing workload.”

“With Gulf Island’s storied history in Terrebonne Parish, we are thrilled the company is renewing its commitment to grow in Terrebonne Parish,” said CEO Matt Rookard of the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority. “This announcement underscores the importance of working with our existing industry base to help them grow and add more good-paying, skilled jobs in our community. Gulf Island’s investment will have positive effects through the local economy.”

“Gulf Island’s workforce expansion to complete a backlog of ships during an oil and gas downturn indicates not only the quality of work the Bayou Region continues to produce relative to fabrication and manufacturing of vessels, but also the diversification we’re seeing from businesses who’ve traditionally worked in oil and gas,” said Vic Lafont, president and CEO of the South Louisiana Economic Council.