SNF Holding Company, the U.S. subsidiary of France-based SNF Floerger, a manufacturer of water-soluble polymers used in waste treatment facilities, will invest US$362 million to build a facility in Plaquemine, Louisiana, according to the Louisiana governor's office. The project is expected to create 500 new jobs with an average annual salary of $57,400 plus benefits; state officials estimate that an additional 900 permanent indirect jobs will also be created. "We are very grateful for the positive reception we received throughout the site evaluation process and the encouragement from state and local representatives to locate the facility in Iberville Parish," says Peter W. Nichols, SNF's president. "We look forward to getting to know the communities of Iberville Parish and building a strong relationship with local residents." The state will provide SNF an incentives package worth approximately $39.4 million, including performance-based assistance of $26.55 million for a rail spur and additional infrastructure at the site; local governments will also contribute at least $1 million toward infrastructure improvements. Construction is expected to begin early next year.