700 New Jobs Coming to Acadiana with New Manufacturing Facility

A company called First Solar will be investing one billion dollars in a new solar panel manufacturing facility at Acadiana Regional Airport.

According to Governor John Bel Edwards' Office, the company will be responsible for creating 700 new direct jobs with the creation of this facility.

You can click here on the First Solar website to find out what jobs they have available across the United States right now. The completion of the building for this project is not expected until 2026.

More details will be forthcoming on the different types of jobs that will be available. For now, Governor Edwards says this is a huge investment for Acaidana and for the state as a whole,

This massive investment and the hobs it will create are a huge win for the people of Acadiana and the entire state. It is proof positive that Louisiana's 'all-of-te-above' approach to energy is growing and diversifying our economy.

Unemployment is around 4-5 % in Lafayette Parish and between 5-6% in Acadiana, and when you are looking for employment the more job opportunities the better.

What Was One of the Major Reasons the Company Decided to Locale in Acadiana?

The company's Chief Executive Officer, Mark Widmar, says the facility was ready to go, there are tons of qualified candidates who will be able to fill the position, and "academic institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette which now features a world-class solar energy lab."

According to the Governor's press releases,

The company is unique among the world's 10 largest solar panel manufacturers as the only company with a U.S. headquarters and without a base of operations in China.

Acadiana Congressman Clay Higgins issued the following statement about today's announcement:

First Solar's commitment to Iberia Parish is welcome news. This facility will help Louisiana lead the way in energy development while creating good-paying jobs. My office supports private investment projects and will continue to support new economic opportunities for South Louisiana.