Westlake facility expansion strengthens domestic pool care production and reinforces Southwest Louisiana’s chemical manufacturing sector
WESTLAKE, La. (July 14, 2026) — Bio-Lab, a division of KIK Consumer Products, will invest at least $8 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Calcasieu Parish, adding new finished goods production capacity for its pool care product line while creating 241 new direct and indirect job opportunities across Southwest Louisiana.
The expansion will introduce new tableting and blending operations at Bio-Lab’s existing Westlake manufacturing facility, increasing production capacity for pool care products distributed throughout North America. Site preparation is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with operations expected to launch in early 2027.
Project at a Glance
- Company: Bio-Lab, a division of KIK Consumer Products
- Location: Westlake, Louisiana (Calcasieu Parish)
- Capital Investment: At least $8 million
- Direct New Jobs: 64
- Existing Jobs Retained: 122
- Indirect Jobs: 177
- Total New Job Opportunities: 241
- Average Annual Salary: $66,215 (7% above the Calcasieu Parish average)
- Construction Begins: July 2026
- Operations Expected: Early 2027
Expansion Strengthens U.S. Manufacturing Capacity
The investment will add finished goods manufacturing capabilities through new tableting and blending operations, complementing the site’s existing chemical production. The expansion is designed to improve manufacturing efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains and support long-term production growth for Bio-Lab’s residential and commercial pool care products.
KIK Consumer Products Chief of Staff Jeff Schmitt said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its U.S. manufacturing footprint while ensuring dependable product availability for customers.
Schmitt noted that Louisiana’s experienced workforce, established infrastructure and long-standing partnership with Louisiana Economic Development made the state the clear choice for the expansion. He also credited workforce development programs such as LED FastStart and the state’s competitive incentive offerings for helping support the investment decision.
Longstanding Presence in Southwest Louisiana
Bio-Lab has operated in Southwest Louisiana since 1979, manufacturing pool and spa treatment products from its Westlake facility for customers throughout North America.
The latest investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Calcasieu Parish while expanding production capacity to meet growing market demand.
State Leaders Highlight Manufacturing Growth
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the project reinforces Southwest Louisiana’s position as a major chemical manufacturing hub while creating high-quality career opportunities for Louisiana residents.
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire said the expansion demonstrates continued confidence in the parish’s manufacturing workforce and industrial infrastructure, adding that investments from existing employers strengthen the local economy while creating opportunities for future growth.
Scott Walker, President and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, said Bio-Lab’s expansion aligns with the region’s Accelerate SWLA strategic plan by encouraging existing industries to reinvest and grow while supporting long-term industrial innovation.
Competitive Incentives Support Expansion
To secure the project in Westlake, Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package that includes:
- $1 million through the Economic Development Award Program (EDAP) for infrastructure improvements
- Workforce recruitment and training through LED FastStart
- Expected participation in the state’s Quality Jobs Program
- Expected participation in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP)
About Bio-Lab
Bio-Lab is a division of KIK Consumer Products, one of North America’s leading manufacturers of consumer and household products. The company manufactures and markets pool and spa water treatment products from facilities across the United States and remains focused on operational excellence, safety and long-term community investment.
Why This Matters
Bio-Lab’s expansion represents another significant manufacturing investment for Southwest Louisiana, reinforcing the region’s leadership in chemical production while creating hundreds of new employment opportunities. By expanding domestic production capacity for essential consumer products, the project strengthens U.S. supply chains, supports regional economic development and builds on more than four decades of manufacturing in Calcasieu Parish.
