GRAND COTEAU, La. – Noble Plastics, a woman-owned Louisiana business specializing in custom injection molding, announced an $8.5 million expansion of its St. Landry Parish headquarters to increase production capacity in support of First Solar Inc.’s new $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish.
The project will create 29 direct new jobs while retaining 56 existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the expansion will generate an additional 52 indirect new jobs, for a total of 81 new opportunities in the Acadiana Region. Construction is expected to begin later this year and wrap up by the end of 2026.
“Noble Plastics’ expansion shows what’s possible when innovative Louisiana companies connect with leading American manufacturers like First Solar,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “This project means more jobs, more opportunity, and more investment right here in Acadiana. My administration is committed to supporting homegrown businesses that are building a stronger, more robust economy for our people.”
The expansion will add new manufacturing capacity, warehouse space, and offices to Noble’s Grand Coteau site, enhancing its lineup of robotics-driven injection molding machines, in-line inspection systems, and AI-powered monitoring technology.
“From Louisiana Growth Network programs to expansion projects fueled by partnerships with new companies coming to our state, Noble Plastics exemplifies LED’s mission in action,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “Through our enhanced focus on supporting existing Louisiana businesses and sharing small business success stories, we look forward to working with Noble Plastics and others like it to create opportunities and grow prosperity in every corner of our state.”
As part of First Solar’s domestic sourcing strategy, Noble Plastics will produce precision-molded components for solar panel connection and energy transfer systems. Finished products from Grand Coteau will be shipped 30 miles to First Solar’s facility in New Iberia.
“We’re thrilled with the opportunities to grow our team, our location, and support a more diverse range of clients right here in St. Landry Parish,” said Noble Plastics President Missy Rogers. “This expansion extends our impact well beyond payroll and vendor spend – it also grows our ability to participate in local schools, mentoring, and scholarships.”
First Solar, the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, announced its Acadiana Regional Airport facility in 2023. The $1 billion project is scheduled to begin operations later this year and, when fully ramped, is expected to create more than 800 direct jobs with an annual payroll of $75 million.
“Noble Plastics brings the kind of technical precision, flexibility, and partnership we look for in our supply chain,” said First Solar Chief Supply Chain Officer Mike Koralewski. “Their proximity to our Louisiana facility, combined with their deep expertise in plastic molding, makes them a valuable contributor to our U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.”
Founded in 2000, Noble Plastics has grown into a community leader in Acadiana and an active participant in LED’s Growth Network programs. The company has benefited from initiatives including CEO Roundtables, the System for Integrated Growth research program, and the American Academy of Entrepreneurs mentorship program.
Local leaders applauded the announcement:
- St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard: “This investment not only supports job creation but strengthens our region’s role in the future of clean energy manufacturing.”
- St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier: “Noble is an exceptional community partner with progressive and dynamic leadership, and this expansion highlights yet another exciting chapter in their story.”
- One Acadiana President & CEO Troy Wayman: “Noble’s growth to support First Solar highlights the importance of a strong economic ecosystem and serves as a testament to the innovation happening in Acadiana.”
To secure the project, LED offered Noble Plastics a competitive incentives package that includes a $250,000 reimbursable grant from the Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure and equipment, pending approval by the LEDC board. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and High Impact Jobs programs.
About Noble Plastics
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, Noble Plastics is a next-generation injection molder that produces plastic parts and assemblies. The woman-owned business also develops advanced automation hardware and software to support high-quality manufacturing in the energy, consumer, industrial, and defense industries.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development drives capital investment, job creation, and economic opportunity for businesses of all sizes. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contact:
Emma Wagner
LED Communications Director
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117
