Austrian investments propel Louisiana to FDI leadership
Companies like Benteler have made some of the most transformative investments in Louisiana’s recent history, and the state stands ready to assist additional potential Austrian investors. Louisiana’s business climate combines a variety of competitive advantages, including the nation’s No. 1 ranked state workforce training program, low industrial operating costs and robust international transportation options, placing the state as a leading environment for foreign direct investment.
NOTABLE AUSTRIAN INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA
- Schoeller-Bleckmann Energy Services – Manufacturing facility for oil & gas services
- Benteler Steel/Tube
In October 2012, Benteler Steel/Tube announced a $975 million, two-phase facility that will include both a seamless steel tube mill and a steel mill. The project, on 330 acres at The Port of Caddo-Bossier, is one of the largest manufacturing projects in Northwest Louisiana's history. In addition to creating 675 direct jobs, Louisiana State University estimates it is resulting in 1,540 new indirect jobs. The steel tubes produced by the facility will be used for the exploration and transportation of oil and gas, as well as for the generation of power and mechanical applications.
“By removing obstacles, reducing bureaucracy, providing meaningful support and eliminating roadblocks, Louisiana officials at all levels convinced us that this state is the ideal location for our production facility.”
Matthias Jaeger, CEO and President (2012-2016)
TRADE BETWEEN AUSTRIA AND LOUISIANA
EXPORTS TO AUSTRIA
|
| Food Manufacturing |
$876.3 thousand |
| Computers & Electronic Products |
$907 thousand |
| Machinery |
$449.8 thousand |
| Other |
$302.2 thousand |
Total
|
$2.5 million
|
IMPORTS FROM AUSTRIA
|
| Machinery |
$7.8 million |
| Computer & Electronic Products |
$2.5 million |
| Electrical Equipment & Appliances |
$2.1 million |
| Other |
$6.3 million |
Total
|
$18.7 million
|
LOUISIANA REPRESENTATION IN AUSTRIA
Louisiana has a local representative, Geert Hovens, operating in Austria. If you would like to reach him, email geert.hovens@la.gov or call +31 478 50 81 65.
CULTURAL TIES AND RESOURCES
Honorary Consul of Austria Philip D. Lorio III
755 Magazine Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Tel: 504.581.5141
plorio@dkslaw.com
The Austrian Marshall Plan Center at the University of New Orleans (UNO) is one of only three Austrian Centers in North America. UNO has maintained a partnership with the University of Innsbruck since 1976. The universities offer student exchanges, research, and publication projects. Learn more here.