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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Bercen Expands Denham Springs, Louisiana, Complex

07/25/2022
Bercen, a division of specialty ingredients manufacturer Vertellus, plans to expand its facility in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The $17.5 million project is expected to create 55 jobs.

The location produces specialized client solutions for paper packaging, fuel and lubricants, coatings and industrial applications. The company plans to make infrastructure and equipment upgrades to increase production capacity and upgrade the environmental management capabilities for its site. The expansion will begin in August, with completion planned for by the end of the year.

“Louisiana’s support of manufacturing businesses like ours makes it a desirable place to invest,” Vertellus Vice President and General Manager Jim Elliott said. “The local leadership in Livingston Parish has given more than 60 years of continuous support to the site. The chemical manufacturing industry relies on Louisiana just as Bercen relies on the skilled workforce and local collegiate talent from the region.”

The State of Louisiana provided Bercen with a competitive incentive package that includes $250,000 from the Economic Development Award program. The Vertellus company is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“Time and again, companies are reinvesting in Louisiana manufacturing facilities, proving that our state has the workforce, business climate and transportation logistics for these critical supply-chain companies to thrive,” Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said. “Bercen’s commitment to retain existing jobs and add good-paying jobs at its Denham Springs facility is a credit to the skilled advanced manufacturing workforce in Livingston Parish. We appreciate the company’s recognition of our state’s business advantages and look forward to the economic activity this investment will stimulate in the Capital Region.”

Bercen manufactures and markets specialty chemicals to various industries. The company develops and produces fine chemicals and intermediates for sophisticated applications that greatly enhance the value of its customer's end-use products.

“Vertellus has found the talent, infrastructure and support from the state and local level to succeed,” said Adam Knapp, President, and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “We join our partners in Livingston to celebrate this exciting growth in our Capital Region.”

“We are pleased that Bercen has made the decision to expand their Livingston Parish operation with a significant capital investment and commitment to bring more high-paying jobs to the local community,” Livingston Economic Development Council President and CEO David Bennett said. “In a time when many businesses are struggling, it’s nice to celebrate a company that is willing and able to make the necessary investment to capture a new market opportunity.”

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