EVANSTON, Ill, June 16th, 2008/Manufacturers’ News, Inc/--Industrial employment in Louisiana remained stable over the past twelve months, according to the 2008 Louisiana Manufacturers Register, a compilation of state industry published annually by Manufacturers’ News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, IL. MNI reports Louisiana gained 699 industrial jobs from April 2007 to April 2008. MNI’s 2008 Louisiana report describes a smaller increase than posted by the state last year, but still runs ahead of the significant employment losses suffered by much of the U.S. over the year.
A previous survey by MNI reported Louisiana industrial employment increased by 3.2% between April 2006 and April 2007.
“Growing worldwide demand for products made in Louisiana, particularly agricultural products, chemicals and petroleum products, made 2007 a very strong year for exports,” says Tom Dubin, President of Manufacturers’ News. “While most other states have lost manufacturing jobs to technology, automation and outsourcing, Louisiana’s stronghold in the oil sector, as well as its generally favorable business environment, have helped the state retain industrial facilities.”
Manufacturers’ News reports Louisiana is home to 5,447 manufacturers employing 200,690 workers, ranking 30th in the nation for number of manufacturing jobs and plants. MNI profiles manufacturers of all sizes including small start-up companies with just a few employees.
The manufacturers guide reports employment in the oil industry, the state’s largest sector, increased the most over the year and currently accounts for 29,108 jobs or 15% of the state industry, up 4,018 jobs or 16%. Manufacturers of chemicals and allied products account for 25,425 jobs, down 1,631 or 6% over the past twelve months. Makers of industrial machinery and equipment employ 23,470 workers, up 879 or 3.9% in the past year, while food manufacturers represent 19,179 of the state’s industrial jobs, down 1,218 or 6%.
Other sectors gaining jobs include printing/publishing, up 224 or 2.3% and rubber and miscellaneous plastic products, up 1,106 or 3%, due in part to increases at Harahan-based Intralox LLC, a maker of modular plastic conveyor belts. Fabricated metal products posted an increased of 647 or 3.8%, benefited partially by an expansion at Sunland Fabricators in Walker. Losses were seen in textiles/apparel, down 119 or 3.4% and lumber and wood was down 190 or 1.7%. Transportation equipment was down 3.4% after cutbacks by GM’s truck plant in Shreveport.
According to MNI, Southeast Louisiana accounts for the most industrial jobs in the state with 102,834 reported in the new edition, with no significant employment change reported over the year. Southwest Louisiana is home to 52,142 jobs, up 1,790 jobs or 3.6% in 2007. The Northwest part of the state is home to 32,417 workers, down 2.5% over the year, while the Northeast represents 13,388 of the state’s jobs, with no change reported in the past year.
MNI’s city data shows Baton Rouge accounts for the most industrial jobs in the state at 14,983, down 1.3% over the past twelve months. New Orleans accounts for 12,605 of the state’s industrial jobs, with employment stable over the year, compared to the 6.7% drop MNI reported for the 2006-2007 period. Shreveport is home to 11,412 jobs, down 6.5% over the year, while Lafayette represents 10,105 of the state’s jobs, up a half percent in 2007.
Detailed profiles of Louisiana’ 5,453 manufacturers and 997 industrial distributors can be found in the 2008 Louisiana Manufacturers Register, available in print for $100 and on CD-ROM from $155. Each profile provides up to 30 facts, including vital contact information (phone, web, e-mail), names and titles of 16,745 key executives, product(s) manufactured, annual sales, number of employees, and more. Visitors to http://www.mnileads.com may generate custom company selections using thirteen different criteria, including area or zip code, county, SIC, sales volume, number of employees, and more.
Manufacturers’ News, Inc., publisher of manufacturers’ directories since 1912, compiles and produces manufacturing guides, statistics and databases for all 50 states. For more information, contact Manufacturers’ News, Inc., 1633 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201, 847-864-7000, FAX 847-332-1100.
