UPS Midstream Services to build $3.9M facility in central La.

Deer Park, Texas-based UPS Midstream Services Inc. laid out plans today to spend $3.9 million developing and building a full-service machine facility in Jena. Gov. Bobby Jindal joined company officials in the central Louisiana town today to make the announcement. Construction is slated to begin in January, with completion expected in June. UPS Midstream says hiring is already under way, adding that it expects to employ 35 people throughout next year, then increasing the payroll to 95 workers by 2017. The jobs will pay an average of $73,000 per year, plus benefits. To secure the project, the state offered the company a performance-based grant of $272,000 via the Economic Development Award Program, as well as customized hiring and training services via the LED FastStart workforce development program. The company is also expected to utilize the Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption incentive programs. The state began working with UPS Midstream in June to secure the project and estimates it will also create 121 new indirect jobs. Once operational, the Jena facility will manufacture reciprocating compressor equipment, commonly used at refineries, power plants and companies in the petrochemical industry, among others. The Jena facility will work primarily with companies that service pipelines across the United States. The governor has more details on today’s announcement at his website here.