Weeklong celebration spotlights the people, companies, and careers powering manufacturing across the 10-parish region.
ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 9/30/2026) – Louisiana Central is celebrating Manufacturing Week 2026 by turning the spotlight on the people behind one of Central Louisiana’s most important industries, the men and women who make, build, create, operate, innovate and keep the region moving every day.
Throughout Manufacturing Week, October 2–9, Louisiana Central will recognize manufacturers from across its 10-parish region and share the stories of the people whose skills, commitment and ingenuity help drive the regional economy.
“At Louisiana Central, we like to say, ‘We Make Good Stuff,’ and there is certainly a lot made right here in Central Louisiana that we can be proud of,” said Chris Masingill, Louisiana Central President and CEO. “But Manufacturing Week is really about the people. Behind every product that leaves a facility in our region is a person, a welder, technician, engineer, operator, electrician, supervisor, driver or countless others, who has built a career here and is contributing to the success of our region.”
Forest Products, Railcars and Consumer Goods
From forest products, railcars and consumer goods to fabricated metals, food products and advanced industrial components, manufacturing touches communities throughout Central Louisiana. The industry supports jobs across a wide range of skill levels and career paths while creating opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, transportation providers and other businesses throughout the regional economy.
Louisiana Central’s Manufacturing Week celebration will feature manufacturers and employees from across the region through company spotlights, employee stories, videos, media appearances and educational content highlighting what is made in Central Louisiana and the people who make it possible.
The celebration begins October 2 with a Manufacturing Day kickoff highlighting Crest Industries’s Manufacturing Day for regional students and will continue with recognition of manufacturers including UTLX, Syrah Technologies, Tri-State Industries, 2 Sisters’ Salsa, Procter & Gamble and others. Additional manufacturer and employee spotlights will continue throughout October.
The campaign will also focus on the next generation of Central Louisiana’s manufacturing workforce.
Engineering, Technology, Logistics, Automation
“Manufacturing today offers careers in everything from skilled trades and production to engineering, technology, logistics, management and automation,” Masingill said. “We want young people, and their parents and educators, to understand that there are opportunities to build meaningful, successful careers right here at home. When we connect our people to those opportunities, we strengthen our companies, our communities and our entire regional economy.”
Louisiana Central works throughout the year with manufacturers, education and workforce partners, economic development organizations and community leaders to support existing industry, attract new investment and strengthen the talent pipeline necessary for continued growth.
Manufacturing Week provides an opportunity not only to celebrate what the region produces, but also to recognize the people who make that success possible.
“Economic development is ultimately about people,” Masingill said. “Companies invest here because of our people. Businesses grow because of our people. Products made in Central Louisiana reach customers across Louisiana, across America and around the world because of our people. This week, we want to say thank you to the thousands of men and women who show up every day and make Central Louisiana stronger.”
Throughout October, Louisiana Central encourages residents to follow its social media channels to meet local manufacturers, learn more about manufacturing careers and discover some of the products being made throughout the region.
About Louisiana Central
Louisiana Central serves as the regional economic development organization for Central Louisiana’s 10-parish region. Through business development, workforce initiatives, entrepreneurship support and strategic partnerships, Louisiana Central works to grow the regional economy and create opportunities for residents and businesses throughout the region.
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Source: Louisiana Central
