Louisiana and Alabama are still in the running for a chance to acquire a $2.9 billion German steel plant, one of the largest manufacturing projects in about 18 years.
ThyssenKrupp Group announced Wednesday that Louisiana and Alabama are the only remaining prospects for the steel plant’s site, because Arkansas is no longer in the race.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco spoke to Peter Urban, ThyssenKrupp Steel executive board vice chairman, and issued a press release yesterday about ThyssenKrupp’s announcement.
The state Legislature earmarked $300 million from the state surplus in December to lure ThyssenKrupp to Louisiana.
Blanco said in her statement that the steel plant will provide many opportunities for Louisiana residents if the company decides to build the plant in the state.
“We are transforming Louisiana’s economy and doing everything we can to bring in new industry,” she said in the release. “We cut taxes for businesses, invested in Louisiana workers and changed the business climate in our state. Today Louisiana is a key player in the global economy.”
The German company told The Times-Picayune the steel plant’s construction would provide up to 29,000 jobs and eventually create 52,000 other jobs related to the plant when it begins operation in a few years.
The state-of-the-art steel plant will be the second-largest manufacturing plant in the state if the company chooses Louisiana as its locale.
If ThyssenKrupp chooses Louisiana, the steel plant will be built in Convent in St. James Parish along the Mississippi River. If the company decides to accept Alabama’s bid, the steel plant will be built in Mobile County.
Though ThyssenKrupp has not released a timeline for their final decision, Blanco told The Times-Picayune she thinks the company will announce its choice in four to 12 weeks.
Blanco was not available for further comments at the time of publication.
—–Contact Angelle Barbazon at [email protected]