EUNICE, LA. – Coastal Plains Meat Co. announced on Sept. 13 that it will make a $3.5 million capital investment to renovate a meat processing facility in Eunice, La.
The company purchased a 19,000-square-foot facility that was previously run by Eunice Superette and Slaughterhouse. Starting in October, Coastal Plains will redevelop the existing facility and construction will begin. The project is expected to be completed by September 2022.
“We are excited to partner with Louisiana Economic Development and the Department of Agriculture to add much needed beef processing capacity to the state,” said Chip Perrin, owner and chief operating officer for Coastal Plains Meat. “By increasing our state's processing capacity, we are able to bring added value to Louisiana cattlemen and women as well as rural communities with Louisiana beef.”
Coastal Plains expects to create 13 new jobs and retain 19 employees following the renovation. Louisiana Economic Development stated the expansion will result in another 21 indirect jobs as well when it is completed.
Coastal Plains estimated the average annual payroll will increase by $1 million. The company plans to update the expanded facility with state-of-the-art equipment that will ensure food quality and safety. It will also increase processing capacity from 2.3 million lbs to 6.5 million lbs of meat production annually.
The state of Louisiana will assist with the project including providing a performance-based grant of $100,000 to be used for the reimbursement of facility improvement costs. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“It’s great that new investment is coming to our community,” said Scott Fotenot, mayor of Eunice. “Eunice has always been an excellent place to invest and do business, and I can’t wait to welcome Coastal Plains to our community. We welcome the new jobs, opportunity and economic activity their facility will generate in Eunice.”