NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) – 15 acres have been carved out for the development of facilities for Logan Industries at the Port of Iberia.

The company is replicating their Hempstead, Texas location right here in Iberia Parish. And that means jobs for Acadiana residents.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday at the port of Iberia. Logan industries, has already began construction on their 30,000 square-foot facility.

“Instead of getting 5 acres or 10 acres, we got 15! We’ve already mapped out where will have a second building,” said Patrick Vilyus, Business Development with Logan Industries.

As the oil and gas industry experiences a downturn in business, the development of Logan Industries will put dozens of Acadiana families back to work.

Vilyus says, “We’re talking 15 to 20 employees on day one! What we’ve done is we grabbed a foothold here in the port, and in Hempstead, right now, we’ve got approximately 150 jobs so, we’re looking to duplicate that business over time and with got opportunities to do that.”

Port of Iberia director, Craig Romeroa says, “In light of all that’s going on in the oil and gas industry, I think it signifies transformation of an economy!”

Newly elected parish president, Larry Richard says the economic side of the investment means a great deal to the parish.

“We are blessed because they decided to choose Iberia Parish to come and put their office. It’s a great time for Iberia Parish,” Richard said.

Officials at the port expect the facility to be complete by July of this year.

If you’re looking for employment, you can call the Port of Iberia office for application information.