Gov. Bobby Jindal and Weyerhaeuser Company Plant Manager Steve Story recently announced a $6 million capital investment by Weyerhaeuser that will retain 175 jobs and create 30 new jobs at the company’s Natchitoches forest products plant.

The company will modernize and upgrade equipment that will lead to more productive operations at the Weyerhaeuser Engineered Lumber Products site, with the new direct jobs paying an average salary of more than $31,000, plus benefits. LED estimates the project will result in an additional 77 new indirect jobs in the area.

Gov. Jindal said, “Weyerhaeuser began their forest products operations in our state over 100 years ago, and it employs over 800 people in Louisiana. We’re proud that Weyerhaeuser chose to expand and modernize its operations right here in our state because of our strong business climate and incomparable workforce. This expansion demonstrates our strong commitment to growing Louisiana’s businesses and moving our economy forward.”

At the 250,000-square-foot facility in Natchitoches, Weyerhaeuser produces I-joists under the Trus Joist brand and laminated veneer lumber and structural header and beams under the Microllam brand.

From Louisiana Economic Development: http://www.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/led-news/news-releases/weyerhaeuser-announces-manufacturing-expansion-in-natchitoches.aspx?c=News%20Releases&id=39