Longtime Louisiana manufacturer will add 300,000 square feet of capacity and support 113 new job opportunities
SHREVEPORT, La. (September 15, 2026) — Frymaster LLC plans to invest $11.5 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Shreveport, Louisiana, adding significant production capacity and supporting 113 potential new job opportunities across the Northwest Region.
The project centers on a newly acquired facility at 8800 Line Ave., adjacent to Frymaster’s existing Shreveport operations. The expansion will add approximately 300,000 square feet of capacity for manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, fabrication and future product development.
Frymaster expects to create 47 direct new jobs while retaining 511 existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will also support 66 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to 113 jobs.
Frymaster Expands Shreveport Manufacturing Footprint
More than 60,000 square feet of the newly acquired facility is already being used for shipping and warehousing.
Additional space is expected to be modernized over the next five years to expand manufacturing capacity, support new fabrication capabilities and accommodate future product development.
Initial manufacturing operations are expected to begin in late 2026, followed by additional fabrication investments in 2027 and new product development and production initiatives beginning in 2028.
“This investment is an important step in supporting the continued growth of our business and the customers who depend on us,” said Frymaster President Oscar Villa. “By expanding our operational capacity, we are creating greater flexibility to meet future demand, improve efficiencies, and continue delivering the innovative solutions and industry-leading support our customers expect from Frymaster and Merco.”
More Than 90 Years of Manufacturing in Shreveport
Frymaster began manufacturing in Shreveport in 1935 and has grown into a global supplier of commercial frying equipment used by major foodservice operators around the world.
The company is part of Welbilt, a global commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer with operations across the Americas.
For more than nine decades, Frymaster has maintained its manufacturing base in Shreveport while developing equipment for commercial kitchens and large foodservice operations.
“Louisiana’s manufacturing strength has helped companies grow from local operations into global businesses,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “For more than 90 years, Frymaster has grown in Shreveport while competing around the world, and its continued investment reinforces Louisiana’s position as a place where manufacturers can keep evolving, expanding and competing.”
Expansion Supports 47 Direct Jobs and 66 Indirect Jobs
The project is expected to create 47 direct positions in the Shreveport area.
LED projects an additional 66 indirect jobs will result from the expansion, producing a total potential employment impact of 113 jobs in Northwest Louisiana.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said Frymaster’s decision to continue investing locally reflects confidence in the city and its workforce.
“Frymaster’s continued investment in Shreveport is a strong vote of confidence in our city and our workforce,” Arceneaux said. “We are proud to see the company grow here and look forward to the opportunities this expansion will create.”
North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon said the expansion demonstrates the value of retaining and supporting longtime regional employers.
“Frymaster has called Shreveport home for more than 90 years, and seeing the company continue to invest and expand here speaks volumes about the strength of our region,” Dixon said. “This is the kind of growth we want to see: longtime employers choosing North Louisiana again and again as the place to build their future.”
Louisiana Supports Frymaster Expansion
To support the project, the state of Louisiana offered Frymaster a competitive incentives package that includes $300,000 through the Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure improvements.
The company is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
The incentives are intended to support the company’s long-term capital investment, manufacturing expansion and workforce growth in Shreveport.
New Facility Positions Frymaster for Future Growth
The expanded facility will provide Frymaster with additional flexibility to increase output, streamline logistics and support future manufacturing initiatives.
By placing shipping, warehousing, fabrication and production capacity near its existing operations, the company will be able to improve efficiency while preparing for new product lines and customer demand.
With $11.5 million in planned capital investment, approximately 300,000 square feet of additional capacity, 47 direct jobs and a total estimated employment impact of 113 positions, Frymaster’s expansion represents another major reinvestment in Shreveport’s manufacturing sector.
