Area Development
ClearEdge Wholesale Glass plans to expand the company’s manufacturing operations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The company is investing $2.65 million to renovate a 41,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Baton Rouge, where it will relocate its current manufacturing operations from a 14,000-square-foot site in New Orleans.

“Above and beyond the glass industry, our dream is to create the best company in the world for customers and employees alike,” Brian LaBorde said. “This means a company that provides the best quality, service and well-being for everyone who does business with us. We strive every day to make ClearEdge that company, and our new facility allows us to achieve this goal. Louisiana is our home state, and we are proud to continue our tradition of producing great products made in Louisiana by Louisianians.”

Using state-of-the-art glass fabrication machinery, ClearEdge provides quality glass products to glass shops across the South. The new facility will provide nearly three times the area for the company’s manufacturing operations, allowing the company to keep up with customer demand and conduct new fabrication techniques. The Baton Rouge facility will allow ClearEdge to temper glass, providing value to in-state and out-of-state customers.

In addition to owning ClearEdge Wholesale Glass, the LaBordes also own Standard Glass and Mirror Company. In 2006, Brian purchased Standard Glass and Mirror Works from his father, Terry LaBorde. Established in 1915, Standard Glass is a longstanding retail establishment in New Orleans. Upon taking ownership of Standard Glass and Mirror Works, Brian and Dana LaBorde recognized the need for a quality glass producer with strong customer service at the wholesale level, and they were inspired to develop ClearEdge.

ClearEdge will create 120 new direct jobs at the new facility. Additionally, the company is retaining all 20 employees from its New Orleans facility, with all existing employees agreeing to move to the Baton Rouge location.

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

Governor Bobby Jindal said, “ClearEdge Wholesale Glass is a prime example of the growth and job creation we are seeing across Louisiana. As a result of our top-ranked business climate, more and more Louisiana companies are outgrowing their old facilities and expanding their operations to grow their businesses and provide more jobs for our people. Additionally, our world-class infrastructure and skilled workforce are giving businesses in Louisiana the confidence they need to continue to invest in our state. Today’s announcement is more proof that Louisiana continues to be one of the best places in the nation to do business, and we’re proud that ClearEdge is joining the long list of companies that continue to expand here in Baton Rouge.”

“BRAC is pleased to welcome ClearEdge to the Baton Rouge area,” said President/CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “This expansion is a prime example of the strength and attractiveness of the region, especially in the manufacturing sector. BRAC is pleased to have worked with ClearEdge to help grow jobs in the Capital Region.”