Textron Systems Corporation has announced a $5.8 million expansion across multiple sites in Southeast Louisiana, strengthening its manufacturing and engineering capabilities for advanced military vehicles and naval systems. The investment spans facilities in St. Tammany and Orleans parishes and is expected to support nearly 400 new direct and indirect jobs in the region.
Across all project sites, the company plans to create 133 direct jobs while retaining 761 existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the expansion will generate an additional 223 indirect jobs, bringing total potential job creation to 356.
The phased development will begin in 2026, starting with upgrades at the company’s Gause Boulevard facility, followed by expanded manufacturing capacity at its Stone Road site. Construction and operational enhancements are scheduled to continue through 2027.
Governor Jeff Landry said the investment reinforces the state’s role in supporting U.S. defense manufacturing. “America’s military depends on strong domestic manufacturing, and Louisiana is building the equipment our service members and allies rely on,” he said. “Textron Systems’ investment expands defense manufacturing and shipbuilding in Southeast Louisiana, strengthening our national defense and reinforcing our role in supporting America’s military.”
Textron Systems has operated in Southeast Louisiana since 1980, supporting U.S. defense programs through its manufacturing and marine systems operations. The latest investment is aimed at expanding capacity to meet growing demand from U.S. and allied customers.
Ryan Schaffernocker, senior vice president of marine systems at Textron Systems, said the expansion reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region. “Thanks to our partnership with the state of Louisiana, these capital investments and retention and hiring initiatives will enable us to support further growth in the community while enhancing our offerings to our U.S. military and international customers,” he said.
In St. Tammany Parish, the company will invest $5.8 million across two sites in Slidell, creating 111 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $95,600. The expansion includes a $5.3 million upgrade to the Gause Boulevard facility to support workforce growth and operations, alongside a $500,000 investment at the Stone Road site focused on engineering and development of next-generation armored vehicle programs, including the ARV and XM30.
In Orleans Parish, Textron Systems will expand operations at its New Orleans East shipyard, where it manufactures the Ship-to-Shore Connector for the U.S. Navy. The project is expected to create 22 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $70,955, along with 26 indirect roles.
State support for the project includes workforce development programs through LED FastStart and a $600,000 performance-based grant tied to equipment and infrastructure investments. The company is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption and High Impact Jobs programs.
Susan B. Bourgeois, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, said the investment strengthens the state’s position in advanced manufacturing and defense. “By layering innovation onto our existing strengths in manufacturing and shipbuilding, this investment strengthens Louisiana’s impact on critical defense programs and positions our workforce for long-term growth,” she said.
The expansion also reinforces Southeast Louisiana’s role as a regional hub for defense and advanced manufacturing, supported by collaboration between state agencies, local governments and industry partners.
