Louisiana-based industrial cooling company invests $4.37 million to support continued growth across the Gulf South
LACOMBE, La. – ChillCo Inc., a leading provider of commercial and industrial cooling solutions, announced a $4.37 million expansion of its headquarters in St. Tammany Parish, marking a significant milestone in the company’s nearly 30-year history. The project is part of an $8 million statewide growth initiative that includes new manufacturing and warehouse space at the Lacombe headquarters to support ChillCo’s expanding rental and maintenance services. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The expansion will create 38 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $73,170, more than 25% higher than the parish average, and retain 68 existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will generate 46 indirect jobs, resulting in 84 total new employment opportunities for the Southeast Region.
“ChillCo’s expansion is a strong example of how homegrown Louisiana companies are driving economic growth through reinvestment,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “For nearly three decades, ChillCo has built on its expertise while keeping its headquarters and workforce rooted in St. Tammany Parish. This project reflects LED’s focus on supporting existing businesses, creating new jobs, and expanding opportunities for Louisiana’s people.”
ChillCo provides maintenance, repair, and parts services for chilled water systems used in commercial and industrial operations across the Gulf South. The Lacombe project will add dedicated warehouse space for the company’s expanding fleet of rental chillers, boilers, and heating units, which help businesses meet emergency and temporary cooling needs.
In addition to the St. Tammany Parish expansion, ChillCo is investing $2.4 million in a new facility in Baton Rouge to enhance its remanufacturing capabilities and strengthen service coverage across southern Louisiana.
“ChillCo has been headquartered in St. Tammany Parish for almost our entire existence,” said Frank Myers, CEO of ChillCo Inc. “Our company’s foundations and key team members have raised families here. As we’ve grown to serve the entire Gulf South, it was important for us to continue investing in the communities that helped us succeed. We’re proud to expand our Lacombe operations and unveil our new Baton Rouge facility.”
Founded in 1996 and 100% employee-owned since 2010, ChillCo has built a reputation as a trusted partner in the region’s industrial and commercial cooling sectors, offering services that include equipment installation, remanufacturing, rentals, maintenance, repairs, and training.
Local and regional officials praised ChillCo’s decision to reinvest in Louisiana:
- “ChillCo’s expansion is a testament to the dynamic business environment and skilled workforce we have here in St. Tammany Parish,” said Parish President Mike Cooper. “We are proud to see local companies creating new opportunities for our residents that strengthen our economy and community.”
- “We are thrilled to support ChillCo as they expand in St. Tammany,” said St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Russell Richardson. “Their commitment reinforces the strength of our business ecosystem and the talented workforce that continues to make our region a hub for innovation and investment.”
- “ChillCo’s investment demonstrates how legacy Louisiana companies are driving the future of our regional economy,” added Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “By creating high-wage jobs and advancing industrial innovation, ChillCo is strengthening not only the Northshore but the entire Gulf South—powering forward, notably, with zero chill.”
To secure the project, LED offered ChillCo a competitive incentive package that includes comprehensive workforce solutions from LED FastStart®, a $250,000 grant from the Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure improvements, and participation in the Louisiana Quality Jobs program.
Individuals interested in employment opportunities with ChillCo can register to receive job notifications and updates. Louisiana-based vendors are encouraged to register at SourceLouisiana.com for upcoming contract and supplier opportunities.
About ChillCo Inc.
Headquartered in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, ChillCo Inc. has been delivering customer-focused cooling solutions since 1996. The company specializes in chilled water systems for commercial facilities and process refrigeration systems for industrial plants, offering equipment rentals, remanufacturing, field services, repairs, training, and consulting. ChillCo has been employee-owned since 2010 through an ESOP structure.
About Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
Louisiana Economic Development drives capital investment, job creation, and economic opportunity for employers and citizens across the state. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contacts:
Emma Wagner
LED Communications Director
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
(912) 467-2117
Jacey Wesley
LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
(225) 342-5536
John “Paul” Haley Jr.
CFO, ChillCo Inc.
Phaley@chillcoinc.com
(985) 809-0888
