Staff Report

A Colorado-based chemical company is expanding its manufacturing business on the Bossier Parish side of Camp Minden, but the operation will still make a positive economic impact in Webster Parish.

Estes Energetics specializes in black powder, chemical and rocket motor manufacturing and will be producing chemicals for the defense industry.

The $7.2 million investment will repurpose a 30,000 square-foot building that has been vacant since 2009 and is owned by the Louisiana National Guard.

“We are thrilled for Estes Energetics and their latest announcement,” said Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce CEO Stephanie Barnette. “They have done a tremendous job getting Goex Industries back up and going, and we know this expansion will be done the same way.”

The project is expected to create 12 direct jobs with an average annual salary surpassing $70,000, while also retaining 22 existing positions at its Louisiana operations, Goex Industries. 

Louisiana Economic Development anticipates an additional 39 indirect jobs, totaling 51 new employment opportunities in the Northwest Region.

“Camp Minden is right in our backyard, so the economic impact to the Greater Minden area will definitely be noticeable during the construction phase and beyond,” Barnette continued. “It’s a huge win for all Northwest Louisiana.”

To secure the project, the state of Louisiana offered Estes Energetics a competitive incentives package, including workforce development solutions and a $550,000 Performance-Based Grant for infrastructure improvements.