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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Avant Organics Establishes Alexandria, Louisiana, Manufacturing Complex

02/17/2021
Avant Organics, a new specialty chemicals company, plans to manufacture innovative products at the Central Louisiana Regional Port in Alexandria, Louisiana.

According to Louisiana Economic Development plans are subject to a final lease agreement. Parent company Crest Industries will make a $4 million capital investment and create 40 new direct jobs through the project. Company officials expect to begin production at the Avant Organics port facility by the third quarter of 2021.

“We empower our people to be innovators and find solutions that have a lasting impact on the industries and people we serve,” said Kenny Robison, Crest Industries CEO and owner. “At Crest, we believe and teach the concept of having a founder’s mentality. By empowering the frontlines of our company with the tools and resources they need, they will help lead Crest into the future. And that is exactly how Avant Organics was created.”

LED began formal project discussions with Crest Industries, Avant Organics and the Central Louisiana Regional Port about the new project at the beginning of 2021.

To secure the Avant Organics project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart, the state workforce training program. In addition, Avant Organics will be eligible for a $500,000 performance-based Economic Development Award Program grant for site infrastructure costs, and the company is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Crest Industries has grown through a commitment to customer service, continuous improvement and creativity,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “That dedication has produced one of Central Louisiana’s leading business success stories. The latest venture by Crest Industries demonstrates the value of innovation for our economy, and the value of leveraging Louisiana’s transportation strengths. We’re encouraged by the decision to locate Avant Organics at one of our key ports on the Red River.”

Avant Organics represents a new business sector for Crest Industries, state officials noted. Based in Pineville, Louisiana, Crest Industries employs more than 800 people in a diverse slate of companies serving customers in electrical infrastructure, distribution, industrial services and natural resources. Avant Organics will apply advanced scientific research to enhance attributes, such as flavor and fragrance, for products in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other sectors.

“Crest Industries is an important component of the Central Louisiana economy,” said President and CEO Jim Clinton of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “We applaud their leadership and commitment to the region with the addition of new jobs and capital investment here in Rapides Parish. Investments like this one continue to diversify our economy and showcase the ability and capacity of our people. CLEDA is proud to work alongside our valued partners to grow the number of great Central Louisiana manufacturers throughout the region who underscore our brand, Central Louisiana: We Make Good Stuff."

The Central Louisiana Regional Port and its tenants benefit from a Foreign Trade Zone associated with nearby England Airpark. Through the FTZ designation, Avant Organics will be able to import raw materials at the Alexandria port and convert them into manufactured products without paying customs duties.

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