KEY TAKEAWAYS: Textron Systems is investing $5.8 million to expand Louisiana defense operations Expansion expected to create 133 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect positions Work spans facilities in St. Tammany and Orleans parishes through 2027 Project supports military vehicle and naval s ystems production for U.S. and allied customers   Textron Systems Corp. will invest $5.8 million to expand its defense manufacturing and shipbuilding operations across Southeast Louisiana, a move expected to create 133 direct jobs and support hundreds more across St. Tammany and Orleans parishes, state officials said. The expansion spans three existing facilities and will support production of advanced military vehicles and naval systems used by the U.S. military and allied customers. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will generate 223 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to about 356 positions in the region. The company said construction and expansion will be carried out in phases through 2027, with initial work beginning in 2026 at its Gause Boulevard facility in Slidell. Operations are expected to continue throughout the upgrades. “Textron Systems is proud of our decades-long history of economic development and employment in the St. Tammany and Orleans parishes,” said Ryan Schaffernocker, senior vice president of Marine Systems at Textron Systems. He added that the investment will support continued growth while strengthening service to U.S. and international defense customers. Textron Systems has operated in Southeast Louisiana since 1980 and develops defense and marine systems for military applications. The company is part of Textron Inc. State officials said the investment reinforces Louisiana’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and defense production. “Textron Systems’ expansion across multiple sites in Southeast Louisiana reinforces our state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing while creating meaningful job opportunities for our people,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. In St. Tammany Parish, the company will invest $5.8 million across two Slidell sites, expected to create 111 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $95,600, according to state estimates. The largest portion of the investment, $5.3 million, will go toward upgrades at its Gause Boulevard facility, while another $500,000 will support engineering work at its Stone Road site, including programs tied to next-generation armored vehicles. Local officials said the expansion strengthens the parish’s defense manufacturing footprint. “This investment and the creation of more than 200 new jobs are a strong vote of confidence in Slidell’s workforce and business climate,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. In Orleans Parish, Textron will expand its shipyard operations at 19401 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans, where it builds the U.S. Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector. That project is expected to add 22 direct jobs with an average salary of $70,955. “We’re proud to welcome Textron’s Orleans Shipyard project to New Orleans East,” said Deputy Mayor Dr. Jenny Mains. Greater New Orleans Inc. said it worked alongside state and local partners to support the expansion, including workforce coordination and incentive planning. Louisiana offered a $600,000 performance-based grant and workforce support through LED FastStart, along with eligibility for additional tax incentive programs, officials said. Textron Systems said the investment will help strengthen long-term operations in the state while supporting defense production capacity across its Louisiana facilities. ...read more read less