Frymaster LLC announced it will invest $11.5 million to expand its operations in Caddo Parish, building on the global foodservice equipment manufacturer’s more than 90-year history in Louisiana with new capacity for future production and product development.
The company is expected to create 47 direct new jobs, while retaining 511 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 66 indirect new jobs, for a total of 113 potential new job opportunities in the Northwest Region.
“Louisiana’s manufacturing strength has helped companies grow from local operations into global businesses,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “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.”
The expansion centers on Frymaster’s newly acquired facility at 8800 Line Ave., next to its existing manufacturing operations. More than 60,000 square feet is already supporting shipping and warehousing, with additional space expected to be modernized over the next five years to increase production capacity and support new fabrication capabilities and product development.
“This investment is an important step in supporting the continued growth of our business and the customers who depend on us,” Frymaster President Oscar Villa said. “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.”
Frymaster began manufacturing in Shreveport in 1935 and today produces 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.
“Frymaster’s continued investment in Shreveport is a strong vote of confidence in our city and our workforce,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “We are proud to see the company grow here and look forward to the opportunities this expansion will create.”
Shipping and warehousing operations are already underway in the new facility. Initial manufacturing operations are expected to begin in late 2026, followed by investments in
fabrication capabilities in 2027 and new product development and production initiatives beginning in 2028.
“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,” President and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership Justyn 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.”
To secure the project in Shreveport, the state of Louisiana offered Frymaster LLC a competitive incentives package that includes $300,000 from the Economic Development Award Program (EDAP) for infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
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