10/23/2009
Bercen Inc. Officially Opens New Headquarters And Research Facility In Denham Springs
Corporate headquarters relocation bringing 20
new high-paying jobs, $5 million capital investment
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. - Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal joined Bercen
Inc. President Jim Thorpe, Cranston Print Works CEO George Shuster
and other company officials to announce the opening of Bercen's new
corporate headquarters and research-and-development facility in
Denham Springs. This represents a $5 million relocation and
expansion project that is creating 20 new high-paying professional
jobs. Company officials report that 18 of the 20 new positions
already are in place.
Gov. Jindal said, "Since early last year, leading companies have
announced moves of their headquarters or other significant
operations to Louisiana from states, such as California, Georgia,
Mississippi, Rhode Island, Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois and
Oregon. Bercen's move to Louisiana is another example of why
Louisiana's economy has outperformed the South and the U.S. during
a difficult national economic period.
"The decision by Bercen to relocate and expand in Louisiana is a
great example of our commitment to grow Louisiana's economy and
create more opportunity for our people. We've worked to position
Louisiana as a frontier of business opportunity by passing vital
reforms to improve the business climate as well as emphasize the
resources we already have. We'll continue to aggressively pursue
more projects that create a better quality of life for our citizens
and increase the economic momentum of the state."
The company relocated its corporate headquarters, as well as its
research and development and technical services laboratories, from
Cranston, R.I., to Denham Springs, La. The relocation required
expanding the existing Denham Springs facility to include 13,000
square feet of office and laboratory space, as well as
infrastructure improvements.
In June of 2008, Louisiana Economic Development used
performance-based financial assistance of $500,000 from the state's
Rapid Response fund to secure the relocation win. The funds are
being used for relocation expenses and site infrastructure,
including expansion of a rail spur to increase rail shipment
capacity and services to paper mills. The company also is expected
to take advantage of the state's Quality Jobs program, as well as
the state's Industrial Tax Exemption Program.
The relocation and expansion will create 92 indirect jobs - and
will also generate approximately $4.4 million in new state tax
revenues over a 15-year period.
"We are excited to commemorate this important milestone here in
Louisiana," said Thorpe. "Our experience in Louisiana thus far has
been a positive one. In addition to offering a business friendly
climate, Louisiana affords us an opportunity to be close to our
suppliers and recruit excellent talent from LSU and Southeastern
Louisiana University. We look forward to a long-lasting presence in
Livingston Parish and Louisiana."
When evaluating a potential relocation, the company selected
Louisiana for several reasons, including proximity to LSU and
Southeastern Louisiana University for recruitment of research
chemists and engineers, lower taxes, a robust petrochemical
industry, proximity to raw materials and its customer base, and
proximity to the Port of New Orleans.
"Headquarters and R&D jobs are some of the most attractive
economic development targets, and not just because they pay so
well. By recruiting Bercen's executive team to Louisiana from Rhode
Island, we're expanding the economy here while simultaneously
securing the existing Bercen operation in Denham Springs," said LED
Secretary Stephen Moret. "We will continue to aggressively pursue
significant headquarters relocations and expansions over the coming
months."
A subsidiary of Cranston Print Works, Bercen has provided
products, services and innovation to the paper industry for more
than 40 years. Specifically, the company develops, manufactures and
sells specialty chemicals for the paper and paper board industries,
and specializes in additives for coated paper and board
manufacturers.
