Shreveport Welcomes New BENTELER Expansion: A Boost for Jobs and Local Economy
Shreveport, LA, is buzzing with excitement following the grand opening of a new threading line at the BENTELER steel and tube plant. This marks a significant investment of $20 million that not only expands the plant’s operations but also reinforces its commitment to the U.S. market.
Enhancing Production for Energy Needs
So, what does this new addition mean for the plant? In simple terms, it will streamline the production process for seamless tubes that are essential for oil and gas exploration. This improvement will boost efficiency and drastically reduce lead times, allowing BENTELER to serve its customers better. As Thomas Michels, Chief Operating Officer of BENTELER Steel/Tube, puts it, “This is a significant milestone for BENTELER and a testament to our dedication to supporting our customers and the local economy.”
Previously, the tubing products had to undergo external processing, which delayed delivery. The introduction of in-house threading capability means BENTELER can now supply these products—which include casings, tubings, and drill pipes—right from their Shreveport facility. By doing so, they’re not just improving speed but also increasing competitiveness, particularly for customers located in the Mid-Continent region and the Rocky Mountains.
Growing Workforce and Job Opportunities
This investment comes with bonuses for the local community. The $20 million expansion includes the construction of a new facility and the creation of 32 new direct jobs, which could rise to 49 positions as the plant operates at full capacity. This expansion brings the total number of employees at the Shreveport plant to around 350.
According to Dustin Niemoeller, the Plant Manager, “This expansion is great news for the Shreveport-Bossier region.” Not only does it create jobs, but BENTELER is also committed to workforce development. They are working with Bossier Parish Community College and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLPE) on initiatives such as the FAME program, which provides two years of training that combines classroom learning with practical experience. This aims to prepare participants for careers as production and maintenance technicians.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions
BENTELER also partners with Louisiana State University in Shreveport, offering internships that allow students to gain hands-on experience. This not only benefits the students but helps build a skilled workforce that can support the expanding local industry.
A Leader in High-Quality Production
The Shreveport facility stands out as one of the most advanced plants in all of North America, focusing primarily on producing high-quality Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) necessary for the energy sector. BENTELER has invested significantly in the region before, including expanding tube sizes and developing new steel grades that are resistant to sour gas.
Continued Commitment to the U.S. Market
The BENTELER Group has a strong presence, operating six locations across the U.S. and employing approximately 1,700 people. Aside from the developments in Shreveport, they have also announced a multi-million dollar expansion at their automotive plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
This latest investment undoubtedly strengthens BENTELER’s standing in the U.S. energy market while also giving a boost to the local Shreveport economy. Their ongoing commitment proves that the region is a vital hub for industrial innovation and growth.
For those following the developments at BENTELER, this expansion truly marks an exciting time filled with opportunities and growth in Shreveport.
