Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal and UPS Midstream Services Inc. President Stewart H. Jones formally dedicated the company’s new 24,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Jena. The new full-service machining plant represents a $3.9 million capital investment and will provide welding, fabrication, equipment overhaul and repair services for pipeline distribution systems and petrochemical processing plants.

The UPS Midstream Services site in Jena employs 49 skilled machinists and support personnel and is ahead of schedule in its commitment to create 95 new direct jobs by 2017. LED estimates the project will result in an additional 121 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 200 new jobs in Central Louisiana.

Gov. Jindal said, “The completion of the UPS Midstream Services full-service machining facility serves as yet another exciting milestone for the growth and development we are seeing here in Central Louisiana and throughout our entire state. The company’s selection of Louisiana for this facility and its commitment to bring 95 new jobs to Jena serves as a testament to our strong business climate, world-class infrastructure and highly skilled workforce. UPS Midstream’s investment in our state will continue to create great new career opportunities for our people for generations to come.”

The UPS Midstream Services site consists of a manufacturing shop, warehouse and office space, where employees will work primarily with clients that service pipelines across the United States. UPS Midstream also will produce, restore and repair reciprocating compressor equipment, commonly used in many different industries, including refineries, power plants and companies in the petrochemical industry.

UPS Midstream Services Inc. – part of the Universal Plant Services family of companies – is based in Houston, and it operates facilities in Los Angeles; San Francisco; Chicago; Salt Lake City; Manteca, Calif.; Baton Rouge, La.; Anacortes, Wash.; Alvin, Texas; Beaumont, Texas; and Freeport, Texas. The company employs more than 600 employees across the country, including 50 in Baton Rouge. The majority of its customers are based out-of-state, including several regional and nationwide accounts.

“We chose to build in Jena and the state of Louisiana because of the growth in the oil and gas and energy industries taking place in the area, as well as the ability to hire skilled personnel to best serve our clients,” Jones said. “The local and state authorities helped ensure we were set up for success with programs for training and recruiting new people to our team. With the increased opportunities we are seeing in the industrial markets, we are now positioned even better to serve our client base and look forward to continued growth and success.”

LED began working with UPS Midstream Services in June 2012. To secure the project, the state offered UPS Midstream a performance-based, $272,000 Economic Development Award Program grant and the customized screening, hiring and training services of LED FastStart®- the nation’s top-ranked state workforce development training program. The company is also utilizing the Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs for its Jena project.

“Congratulations to UPS Midstream and the Town of Jena on the opening of this facility, which will provide outstanding jobs for Jena, LaSalle Parish and the entire region,” said Vice President of Major Employers Rick Ranson of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “This momentous event would not be possible without the partnership forged by the leaders of UPS and the Town of Jena. This is just another example of how, working together, we can continue to create a bright future for Central Louisiana.”

The company selected Jena for the new facility in order to better reach its customers in the South, as well as to tap the available skilled workforce in the natural gas industry ­- a key sector served by UPS Midstream. Construction of the new UPS facility began in August 2013 and was completed in April 2014. While the new facility was being developed, UPS Midstream began operations at temporary facilities in Jena in early 2013. Commercial operations will begin at the new facility this month.

“The grand opening of the UPS Midstream facility is a great day for the Town of Jena, the Jena community, LaSalle Parish and for our friends in all of Central Louisiana,” Jena Mayor Murphy McMillin said. “Just 17 months ago, we were making the announcement that UPS was going to invest $3.9 million in Jena and create 95 quality jobs. Today, they are ahead of schedule to fulfill their commitment to this small community. As mayor of Jena, I’m representing a group of very proud people who have and will continue to welcome our new investors and our new neighbors.”

About Universal Plant Services

Founded in 1986, Universal Plant Services Inc. (UPS) is the leading provider of rotating and reciprocating machinery services in the industry, delivering more than 2 million man-hours of service annually. Customers trust UPS with the care of their business-critical equipment and components because of the company’s commitment to safety and quality. The in-depth knowledge of UPS expert craftsmen provides innovative solutions to customer repair or maintenance needs. Headquartered in Houston, UPS has 11 full-service facilities primarily located throughout the Gulf Coast and West Coast regions. Family owned, privately held and customer-focused, UPS provides the personal attention of a trusted business ally. For more information, visit www.universalplant.com.