Exploring Our Industrial Heritage: Louisiana
Recently, I explored the state of Louisiana and the many landmarks that represent our industrial heritage here. When I first arrived, I noted the variety of manufacturing factories, mills and supply chain buildings and ships in the bayou area and along the Mississippi River. These structures represent a time capsules of manufacturing progress and support my industrial heritage research in this region.
For example, in the Bayou, at Fountainebleau State Park, surrounded by giant moss-covered oak trees stand the remnants of what was once an operating sugar mill. Meanwhile barges navigated the Mississippi as they passed by riverfront warehouses and factory buildings, some abandoned and some operating. In the foreground locally built steamships transported sightseers from and to the New Orleans area docks. Sounds of backhoes and jackhammers generated a constant hum of revitalization and progress.
It was these industrial sights and sounds that brought me to Louisiana, to explore our industrial heritage and this is what I eagerly learned.
Industrial Revolution Era
During the Industrial Revolution, New Orleans emerged as a key manufacturing and trade center in the American South. Its strategic location along the Mississippi River and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico made it a vital port city, facilitating the transportation of raw materials and finished goods. The city’s manufacturing sector grew alongside its shipping and steamboat industries, which thrived during the 19th century.
New Orleans became known for producing goods such as cotton textiles, processed sugar, and lumber products. Sugar refining and cotton processing were especially significant, supported by the region’s plantations and agricultural economy. Factories and workshops also manufactured tools, ships, and other machinery needed for agriculture and transportation.
The Industrial Revolution brought an increase in railroads and infrastructure, further connecting New Orleans to markets across the country. While it lagged behind northern cities in heavy industry, New Orleans played a crucial regional role in industrial development, blending commerce, manufacturing, and maritime trade.
Current Day Manufacturing
Today, Louisiana has a diverse and dynamic manufacturing sector that plays a vital role in the state’s economy. Known for its rich natural resources, strategic location along the Gulf Coast, and strong transportation infrastructure, Louisiana is a hub for industries like petrochemicals, food processing, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
The petrochemical industry is a cornerstone of Louisiana manufacturing, with major companies operating along the Mississippi River corridor. The state refines large volumes of crude oil and produces chemicals, plastics, and fertilizers used across the globe. In addition, Louisiana’s seafood industry supports robust food processing operations, including the production of crawfish, shrimp, and other regional specialties.
Shipbuilding and marine manufacturing are also prominent, especially in cities like New Orleans. These sectors support both commercial and defense-related projects. Aerospace is another growing area, with facilities like NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans contributing to space exploration efforts.
Louisiana's low energy costs, business-friendly climate, and access to ports make it an attractive location for manufacturers. Workforce development programs also help ensure a pipeline of skilled labor. As technology and innovation continue to advance, Louisiana manufacturing is adapting and expanding into new areas, driving economic growth and job creation across the state.
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Area restaurants offer a variety of Louisiana local hot sauces and they adorn every dining table, almost as a replacement for the standard salt, pepper and ketchup that get staged on restaurant tables in other regions of our country.
Louisiana hot sauce production is a cornerstone of the state's culinary heritage. The Original
Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce, established in 1928 in New Iberia by Bruce Foods, exemplifies this tradition. Crafted from aged long cayenne peppers, vinegar, and salt, the sauce undergoes a fermentation process lasting at least one year, resulting in its distinctive flavor. Despite the brand's acquisition by Summit Hill Foods in 2015, production continues in New Iberia, maintaining the original recipe and methods.​
Louisiana-style hot sauces are characterized by their simple ingredients and fermentation process, which develop complex flavors over time. This style has influenced numerous brands, including Tabasco, which began production in 1868 on Avery Island. The state's hot sauce industry not only contributes to its economy but also plays a significant role in its cultural identity, with products exported worldwide and featured in various culinary applications.
Mardi Gras World
If you ever get a chance to visit New Orleans, add a tour of Mardi Gras World to your agenda. Touring this unique factory was a highlight of my visit to the area. Often, we think of factories as representing only the high-volume productions of standard commercial products. However, to me, whenever raw materials are fed into a building and finished goods exit the building, it is a factory, even if the finished goods are parade floats and commercially branded sculptures, such as the weatherproof Chick-fil-A cows that are produced at this unique New Orleans’ factory.
Mardi Gras World offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's most famous traditions: Mardi Gras. Located along the Mississippi River, this working factory is where many of the elaborate floats used in Mardi Gras parades are designed and built by the renowned Kern Studios. The facility spans over 300,000 square feet and is filled with vibrant props, sculptures, and costumes that showcase the artistry and creativity behind the celebrations.
Founded in 1984 by Blaine Kern, a legendary float designer who helped shape modern Mardi Gras. Here my wife and I were able to watch workers and artists turn foam, fiberglass and paper mâché into beautifully crafted sculptures which decorate parade floats around the world. These are the massive floats that roll through the streets during carnival season in New Orleans and really everywhere.
Besides parade floats, Kern Studios has commercial contracts too with companies such as Disney, Universal Studios and Six Flags. Often a robot named Pixie is used to carve the commercial sculptures due to tighter project timelines. The robotic process simply speeds up the sculpting process and supports the artistical process without replacing it.
Mardi Gras World plays a key role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of New Orleans. It’s not just a tourist attraction—it’s a working part of Mardi Gras and the New Orleans economy itself. The experience offers a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship and history behind this iconic celebration.
The Future of LA Manufacturing
Louisiana's manufacturing sector is poised for significant growth and transformation, driven by strategic investments, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainability. The state's 2025 Strategic Economic Development Plan emphasizes modernizing traditional industries, fostering innovation, and enhancing workforce development to ensure long-term prosperity. ​
Advanced manufacturing is a key focus, with nearly 7% of Louisiana residents employed in this sector, which is vital to global supply chains. Recent expansions, such as Mid South Extrusion's $12.5 million investment in Monroe, highlight the sector's growth and its role in job creation. ​
The state is also embracing the energy transition, attracting substantial investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) battery component manufacturing. Notable projects include UBE Corporation's $500 million plant for lithium-ion battery solvents and Koura's $800 million investment in EV battery material production.
Overall, Louisiana's manufacturing future is marked by innovation and diversification, with continual efforts to address environmental impacts, ensuring economic growth, health and prosperity for all residents.
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