BUSINESS BOOMING AT PORT OF IBERIA

Four more companies have announced expansion plans at the thriving Port of Iberia. “Requests for additional real estate keep increasing,” said Roy Pontiff, Executive Director of the Port. “The national and global energy indicators on both the supply and demand sides all point to continued growth.” The most recent companies to lease additional acreage at the Port are Chart Energy & Chemical, Inc., Parker Drilling Offshore USA, LLC and Dynamic Industries, Inc.

PARKER DRILLING EXPANDS AT PORT

“We are doubling our Port acreage to accommodate future expansion needs,” said Mike Drennon, Vice President of Operations at Parker. The additional 25 acres are needed as energy demand and production continue to grow. The Houston based company provides drilling services -- both land and offshore -- including drilling rigs, project management and rental tools to the energy industry. The New Iberia operation is the company’s headquarters for domestic barge operations. In addition its worldwide training facility is located at the Port. The company has approximately 750 employees in New Iberia. “Parker is currently hiring new rig-based workers for every position from roustabouts to rig managers. We are looking for experienced employees as well as those new to the industry, whom we will train, right here in New Iberia,” said Mr. Drennon.

DYNAMIC INDUSTRIES, INC. CONTINUES TO GROW

To meet anticipated needs, Dynamic has leased an additional 30 acres and obtained an existing manufacturing facility at the Port of Iberia. With these new additions, Dynamic now operates out of approximately 300 acres at the Port of Iberia. The Port is committed to invest approximately $3,400,000 on the infrastructure and security upgrades related to the additional 30 acres leased. Dynamic Industries, Inc. is a leading fabrication and related services company that serves the upstream and downstream sectors of the energy industry. The company currently employees approximately 2000 direct personnel and is actively seeking additional supervisory, skilled and semi-skilled applicants in crafts related to pipe/structural welding and fitting, sandblasting/painting, electrical/instrumentation, equipment operators and QA/QC.

BUSINESS STRONG FOR CHART ENERGY AND CHEMICALS, INC.

"New products, new business and new clients continue to fuel our growth," said Brenda Riley, Manager of Human Resources for Chart. "That's why we added another 20 acres to our Port facility." Chart is a leading independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment used in the production, storage and end-use of hydrocarbon and industrial gasses. The company, with 225 employees in New Iberia, designs and manufactures cryogenic units -- cold boxes -- used in the purification and liquification of gasses. In addition, Chart designs and manufactures vacuum insulated pipes which are used in the transport of liquid natural gas. Chart Energy and Chemicals, Inc. is a subsidiary of Chart Industries, Inc. which is based in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

NEW BUILDING FOR TWO PORT COMPANIES

All Points Equipment, LLC and Century Corrosion Technology, Inc. will be expanding into a new 37,500 square foot building at the Port of Iberia. "Business is strong, we need room to grow," said Terry Clinkenbeard,Vice President of Sales for Century Corrosion. The Port is building the structure for expansion of their business. The new building with house a 20' x 20' x 80' blast room; with the intention of adding an additional blast room in the future. The bays will be served with 20 ton over head cranes. "We will be able to apply coatings year round with very little to no issues pertaining to weather," Terry said. All Points Equipment is increasing their indoor blasting coating
building by 250%.

All Points Equipment specializes in the inspection and repair of drilling riser as well as other offshore drilling equipment. Century Corrosion specializes in applications of coatings since 1969. Richard Romero is Vice President of Operations at the Port of Iberia facility. Houston-based Century Corrosion and All Points have approximately 30 employees at the Port and they are looking for additional workers. They are hiring blasters, painters and day laborers.