Southland Steel Expansion Drives New Jobs in Louisiana with NMTC

Impact Marketplace is proud to announce the successful closing of Southland Steel Fabricators, Inc.’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing. This investment—supported by key CDE and investor partners—will fund a major expansion and modernization of the company’s Greensburg, Louisiana facility, creating high-quality jobs, boosting manufacturing capacity, and driving local economic revitalization.

Founded in 1985, Southland Steel Fabricators is a family-owned leader in structural steel fabrication, serving the LNG, chemical, and industrial sectors. With three facilities and a workforce of more than 450 employees, Southland Steel shipped over 45,000 tons of steel in 2022 alone.

The NMTC financing will support:

• A 50,000 square foot facility expansion on the company’s 63-acre Greensburg site.

• Installation of advanced automation equipment, including Zeman Robotic Steel Beam Assemblers and FICEP CNC systems.

• Covered connections between production shops, enabling autonomous vehicle material handling.

• Relocation of fireproofing operations to a new facility in Washington, LA—freeing up space for increased steel fabrication capacity.

These enhancements will double fabrication capacity from 17,000 tons annually, improve safety, reduce manual intervention, and streamline material flow from storage to welding bays.

The project is located at 251 Greensburg Street, Greensburg, LA, in a Severely Distressed census tract. According to the 2016–2020 American Community Survey:

• Poverty rate: 25.6%

• Area median income: 78% of the national average

• Unemployment rate: 3.11x the national average

The NMTC program was designed to direct private investment to exactly these types of high-need areas, spurring economic activity and job creation.

• The expansion will generate lasting benefits for the Greensburg community and surrounding region:

  • 80 new full-time jobs with an average wage of $25.58/hour—123% above the parish living wage.

  • Retention of 199 existing jobs at the facility.

  • 74% of jobs classified as “quality jobs” with benefits, career advancement, bonuses, and overtime opportunities.

  • 87% of positions accessible without a four-year degree.

  • Commitment to diversity: current workforce includes 55% minority employees and 30% minority representation in leadership.

  • 100 construction jobs and 120 indirect jobs from related operations in Washington, LA.

  • Workforce training through a state-certified apprenticeship welding program in partnership with the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Southland Steel Fabricators, Inc. is guided by the belief that “Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” This philosophy drives its commitment to efficiency, safety, and precision. With over 35 years in operation, Southland Steel remains rooted in its family legacy while embracing innovation to serve global industrial markets.

The company is also committed to environmental stewardship, implementing a water recirculation system to save approximately 60,000 gallons annually, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting, and producing solar piles to support renewable energy projects.

Impact Marketplace connects transformative projects with the right NMTC partners, streamlining the process from application to closing. If you have a project in an eligible community and need help securing NMTC financing, contact our team today to explore how we can help bring your vision to life.