Smith Tank & Steel moves to Gonzales

Petrochemical field product fabricator Smith Tank & Steel Inc. announced it will relocate from Livingston Parish to Gonzales at the former 84 Lumber store.

Company President and CEO Sam Smith Jr. said the move to the vacant store site includes an expected $5 million capital investment by the firm to remodel the existing 69,000 square foot building and install equipment.

Smith will bring employ 45 persons at the location on Hwy 30 near the railroad and Airline Highway.

Kansas City Southern rail access via the 84 Lumber spur was a key factor in bringing Smith to the area.

“We needed to be in a location that promotes quick response to our customer’s needs and in a facility that lends itself to the efficient handling of inbound raw materials and outbound products,” Smith said.

The company will bring in steel needed to fabricate the field equipment it installs for the company’s oil, gas and chemical industry customers. The company’s primary market are covers the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Texas.

The plant is expected to be fully operational in early 2010, with hiring to begin in late August or early September.

“We are delighted by Smith Tank & Steel’s announcement of these new jobs in our parish and welcome them to Ascension’s growing corporate family,” Parish President Tommy Martinez said.