Cementos Molins, Calucem’s parent company, is based in Madrid with facilities in 12 countries. The Louisiana project will create its third calcium aluminate production center, joining Barcelona, Spain, and Pula, Croatia.
“These good-paying jobs will make a big difference for the community of New Orleans East, and the presence of a major international company like Calucem will be a boon for our entire state,” said Gov. Edwards. “Calucem is the latest company to recognize the quality of our nation-leading workforce development programs and Louisiana’s unrivaled shipping infrastructure. Our state has many more strategic locations like the site Calucem selected, and our work to grow and diversify our economy and create jobs will continue.”
Entergy New Orleans worked with Calucem to ensure the company’s electrical and natural gas demand could be met at the project site. The company said the project is contingent on New Orleans City Council approval of a payment in lieu of taxes agreement (PILOT).
“We are excited to welcome Calucem to New Orleans,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Calucem’s $35 million investment in New Orleans East and the creation of 70 well-paying jobs highlight my administration’s commitment to growing higher-wage jobs in our communities and diversifying our economic base. This investment also demonstrates the significant global impact an international city like New Orleans has on the world economic stage. The city and its Office of Economic Development have worked closely with our economic development partners to attract Calucem here and ensure that they thrive. We look forward to the growth and success of Calucem in our city for years to come.”
Louisiana offered Calucem an incentive package including the LED FastStart workforce development program. The package also includes a performance-based $700,000 award through the Economic Development Award Program to support site infrastructure improvements. In addition, the company is expected to participate in the Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“This is a rewarding project announcement, as Calucem brings new jobs and foreign dollars to New Orleans East,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. “The $35 million investment and 70 jobs will put an underutilized site into production, create local opportunity and help provide a high-demand product for the nation.”
The New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) “is very excited about the economic potential of this significant international investment,” said Norman E. Barnum IV, NOLABA president and CEO. “Calucem’s rigorous site selection process shows that New Orleans East offers strong opportunities for business expansion across the globe and in our own community. NOLABA looks forward to working with the Calucem team and the New Orleans East community to ensure this project is successful.”
