SHREVEPORT, La. — Frymaster LLC plans to invest $11.5 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Caddo Parish, adding production capacity and creating 47 direct jobs, the company and Louisiana Economic Development announced.
The project will retain 511 existing jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates it also will generate 66 indirect jobs, bringing the potential employment impact to 113 jobs in northwest Louisiana.
The expansion will use Frymaster’s newly acquired facility at 8800 Line Ave., adjacent to its existing manufacturing operations. The facility will add about 300,000 square feet of capacity to the company’s Shreveport operations.
More than 60,000 square feet of the building is already being used for shipping and warehousing. Additional space is expected to be modernized over the next five years for manufacturing, fabrication and product development.
Initial manufacturing operations are expected to begin in late 2026. Frymaster plans additional investments in fabrication capabilities in 2027, followed by 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,” 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 produces commercial frying equipment for foodservice operators worldwide. The company is part of Welbilt, a commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer with operations across the Americas.
To support the expansion, Louisiana offered Frymaster an incentives package that includes $300,000 through the Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure improvements. The company also is expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“Louisiana’s manufacturing strength has helped companies grow from local operations into global businesses,” Louisiana Economic Development 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.”
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the investment 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.”