VEGA Americas Inc. will invest $22.4 million to build a 100,000-square-foot, advanced manufacturing center at the Ascension Commerce Center in Geismar, Louisiana.

The company recently acquired 13.5 acres in Ascension Parish within the business and industry park, where the manufacturing facility will be built along La. Highway 30, about two miles west of Interstate 10. The company plans to create 120 new direct jobs.

VEGA Americas, based in Cincinnati, is part of Germany-based VEGA, a global manufacturer of process instrumentation for chemical and pharmaceutical plants, the food industry, drinking water supply systems, sewage treatment plants, landfills, mining operations, power generators, oil platforms, ships and airplane.

“We’re excited to partner with Louisiana’s local economy,” said Ron Hegyesi, the VEGA Americas President. “The proximity to the chemical corridor was key in our investment decision. This location will be a hub for North America, Central America, and South America. Our vision includes future exports to Southeast Asia, China, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East.”

“VEGA brings a cutting-edge manufacturing presence to our world-class industrial corridor in Ascension Parish and along the Mississippi River and the Louisiana coast,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “This is yet another example of Louisiana attracting a global leader, based in Germany, to make a major investment in our state and our people. We congratulate VEGA for selecting Ascension Parish, where we know the company will find an excellent fit for recruiting workforce talent and for building its market along the Gulf Coast and beyond.”

LED began formal project discussions with VEGA Americas in early 2018. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart. In addition, the company is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“We’d like to thank Governor John Bel Edwards, Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development, the Ascension Economic Development Corporation, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, and the Louisiana Board of International Commerce for their support in securing this investment,” said Don Sanders, president of VEGA Louisiana. “We look forward to building our operation with the recognized work ethic of Louisiana.”

“I am very thankful to all of the people who made this a reality,” said Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa. “Ascension Parish has been working with several business and economic development organizations to make us more competitive on the world stage. VEGA’s decision to locate their newest manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish is a perfect example of working together for the benefit of all. We welcome VEGA and all of the great jobs and opportunities they bring to Ascension Parish.”

LED officials visited VEGA headquarters in Schiltach, Germany, in March 2018 to help secure the project for Louisiana. Two months later, Ascension Parish officials approved the company’s ability to receive Industrial Tax Exemption Program benefits at the parish and local levels. Both the size of the company’s investment and planned employment have grown since then, meaning the project will bring greater economic impact to the parish.

“As we continue to diversify our local economy, attracting VEGA is a huge win for advanced manufacturing in Ascension, one of our target industries,” said President & CEO Kate MacArthur of the Ascension Economic Development Corp. “We also recognize the importance of this investment, as it signifies Ascension Parish as an ideal location for foreign direct investment in Louisiana.”

VEGA Americas will begin construction soon, with plans to complete the facility in the first quarter of 2020. Local architect and general contractor selections already have been made. The company plans to hire 40 people during the first year of operation.

“The Capital Region remains one of the most competitive locations in the world for the process industries sector, and VEGA’s decision to open their second U.S. location here speaks to that strength,” said President & CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “Our team has been pleased to work with them through the site selection process, and is thrilled to help bring 120 new well-paying jobs to the area.”