Company plans to expand, enhance local facility

Special to 318 Forum

Ascentek Inc., a leader in fluid and lubricant technology, announced that it is investing $50 million to build a new, 270,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility, enhancing operations at its existing production and distribution center in Caddo Parish to support growing customer demand worldwide.

The company is expected to create 91 new direct jobs in manufacturing, production support and business administration, while also retaining 105 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 247 indirect new jobs, for a total of 338 potential new jobs in the Northwest Region.

The expansion in Shreveport will include new high-speed production, material handling and storage equipment that will significantly improve efficiencies in the company’s industrial fluid, lubricant and chemical manufacturing processes.

Alongside the growth at Ascentek’s facility at 7699 W. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, the project will also incorporate key infrastructure improvements to enhance both community safety and operational abilities.

“The buildout of our new manufacturing assistance facility and the improvements we’re making to our existing facility in Shreveport not only broaden the ways we can support our customers but reinforce our commitment to the Shreveport community,” Ascentek president and CEO Chad Baker said. “Between job creation, economic stimulation and future growth, Ascentek is here to create a unique working environment for every teammate that joins the Ascentek family.”

Ascentek evolved from Lube-Tech and traces its roots to a company first founded in 1925. The company plans to break ground on the facility in late 2025.

Construction is expected to take between 18 and 24 months.

“Ascentek’s $50 million investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in Shreveport’s future,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “This expansion will not only bring new, high-quality jobs to our city but also improve critical infrastructure and reinforce our reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.“

To win the project in Caddo Parish, LED offered a competitive incentive package, including the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED-FastStart. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.

Ascentek Inc. Announces New Facility

• The company is expected to create 91 new jobs and retain more than 100 jobs.

• The 270,000-square-foot facility will include new high-speed production, material handling and storage equipment.

• Construction is slated to start in late 2025 and take between 18 months and two years to complete.