(The Center Square) — John H. Carter Co./ControlWorx LLC is preparing to build a $69 million, 285,000 square foot facility in Gonzales, backed by a suite of state incentives aimed at job creation and economic growth.
The project is expected to create 175 direct new jobs over the next decade and retain 741 existing positions across Louisiana. Louisiana Economic Development estimates an additional 301 indirect jobs will be generated, bringing the total potential employment impact to 476 new positions.
The state is offering John H. Carter Co. a $590,000 Economic Development Award Program grant for infrastructure improvements, pending approval by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation board. The company is also expected to participate in the Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs, as well as benefit from LED FastStart’s workforce training solutions.
While the company has a history of utilizing state incentives, public records shows a pattern of withdrawing applications.
Since 2012, John H. Carter Co. has applied for the Quality Jobs incentive five times, the Enterprise Zone incentive five times, and the Industrial Tax Exemption Program once. However, seven of those applications were later withdrawn, according to public records at Louisiana Economic Development.
ControlWorx, its subsidiary, has applied for the Quality Jobs incentive six times and the Enterprise Zone incentive once, and currently holds five active contracts with LED. ControlWorx will operate and manage the Gonzales facility.
Construction is set to begin in March, with commercial operations projected to launch in early 2027. The new facility will serve as a center for excellence, assembling, servicing, and distributing flow control products to key industries across the Gulf Coast, including oil and gas, refining, chemical, power, renewable energy, and pulp and paper production.
“This investment continues John H. Carter Co.’s longstanding commitment to ensure manufacturing and production facilities can get the products and services they need to thrive in Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said in a news release. “This facility will ensure Louisiana’s industrial sector can operate safely and effectively by optimizing a legacy industry to lead in the future as it has in the past.”
“This new facility represents a generational investment in our company’s future and underscores our deep commitment to the people and communities of Louisiana,” CEO Todd Gilbertson said. “As an employee-owned company, we are proud to continue growing right here at home and are especially grateful to the Louisiana Economic Development team for their invaluable support and partnership.”
Local officials also celebrated the announcement, highlighting its economic impact.
“We are proud to celebrate John H. Carter Co.’s expansion into Gonzales, bringing new jobs to our community,” Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley said in news release. “This significant investment demonstrates their confidence in our talented workforce and underscores the opportunities our city offers for businesses to grow and thrive.”
Economic development officials remain optimistic about the project’s impact.
“John H. Carter Co.’s decision to grow its operations in Ascension Parish is a huge win for our community,” said Kate MacArthur, President and CEO of Ascension Economic Development Corp. “We are proud to have played a role in making this expansion a reality and are excited to support its continued success.”
Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Lori Melancon echoed the sentiment in a news release.
“Not only will this project bring 175 new jobs to our community, but its services and products will benefit local manufacturers and energy companies that are fueling economic opportunity in South Louisiana.”
