Expansion project to retain 81 jobs and result in 47 new direct, indirect jobs
Hammond, LA — Governor John Bel Edwards and Scariano Wholesale Foods CEO Jay Scariano III announced a $10 million expansion of the wholesale food distribution facility near Hammond, Louisiana. The project will improve transportation, access and logistics at the site while creating 20 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $42,000, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the expansion will result in an additional 27 new indirect jobs, for a total of 47 new jobs in Tangipahoa Parish and surrounding areas.
Scariano Wholesale Foods will retain 81 existing jobs with the expansion, which will include installation of a new fueling station for its distribution fleet. The project also will provide a cold-storage addition; expansion of the loading dock and warehouse; improved road access; and new parking for employee vehicles and distribution trucks.
“A welcoming business climate means state, parish and local leaders are helping companies improve their business performance and bring new career opportunities to our people,” Gov. Edwards said. “This is precisely what we are seeing with Scariano Wholesale Foods. Louisiana is proud to support the company’s growth, and we congratulate Jay and his entire team on this exciting new phase in the company’s history.”
Located in the Baptist community west of Hammond, Scariano Wholesale Foods will increase efficiency for all incoming and outgoing transportation with the new investment. Better infrastructure on-site will aid expansion of the company’s freezer and warehouse capacity, and also improve safety and efficiency for drivers.
“This project and past projects have allowed our company to expand our workforce and continue our reliable service to our customers,” Jay Scariano said. “We are extremely grateful to our customers, employees and vendors for their continued faith in the Scariano business model. Our continued partnership with the State of Louisiana and Tangipahoa Parish have been critical to our success and the success of our employees. We look forward to many years of continued success with our state and parish partners.”
Founded in 1930, Scariano Wholesale is celebrating 90 years of serving customers along the Gulf Coast, delivering fresh products at competitive prices. The family owned company specializes in the delivery of protein products, including pork, beef, poultry, seafood and more. The company has more than 1,200 customers across the Gulf Coast, with a territory spanning from eastern Texas to the Florida Panhandle.
“We are excited about Scariano’s expansion in Tangipahoa Parish,” said Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller. “They are an exceptional company and their dedication to providing first-class products and service to their customers is the reason for this expansion. We are very appreciative of LED and look forward to much success for Scariano, Tangipahoa and Louisiana.”
LED began working with Scariano Wholesale Foods on a potential expansion project in January 2019. To facilitate the expansion, the State of Louisiana offered the company a performance-based $250,000 Economic Development Award Program incentive to support the road infrastructure improvements.
“We have been pleased to work with Scariano Wholesale Foods on their newest expansion project,” said Executive Director Ginger Cangelosi of the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation. “This company has been in Tangipahoa for many years and has continued to invest in the parish and our people by improving their facility and creating jobs for our local community. I look forward to continuing our partnership with them and am excited to see them grow and succeed.”
About Scariano Wholesale Foods
Since 1930, Scariano Wholesale Foods has been committed to offering superior customer service and quality products to independent retail grocers, specialty meat shops, processors, and partner distributors. The company treats every customer as a business partner. Family owned and operated for four generations, Scariano is headquartered in Hammond, Louisiana. Scariano Wholesale Foods is committed to being the greater Gulf Region’s leading wholesale protein and specialty foods distributor. For more information, visit ScarianoBrothers.com.
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes. In 2019, LED attracted more than 80 new economic development projects representing 12,300 new jobs, 15,500 retained jobs and over $8.4 billion in new capital investment. LED’s Small Business Services team assisted more than 9,500 Louisiana small businesses and entrepreneurs in 2019. For more information, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.
