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Recent locations & expansions
National, regional and local businesses are pouncing on the City of Walker's potential and are locating or expanding in the community. Here are a few recent examples.
Gilchrist Construction Co.
Gilchrist Construction Co. built an asphalt plant near the intersection of U.S. 190 and La. 449. The Alexandria-based company is involved in the widening of Interstate 12 as well as the construction of Juban Crossing and Our Lady of the Lake Livingston.
K&W Patten's Metal Express
The firm built a 14,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the City of Walker, a $1.2 million capital investment that is expected to initially bring approximately 10 additional jobs to the community. K&W Patten's Metal Express produces custom metal roofing and steel building products for residential or commercial projects, with next-day service. Bob Estave, who runs the firm with his son, Keith Estave, says Walker was the ideal location for the company's new manufacturing facility because of its proximity to the interstate and convenience for customers along the I-12 corridor.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center bought 236 acres in Walker, which is larger than the property on which its main facility in Baton Rouge sits. The medical center broke ground in January 2011 on a 140,000-square-foot complex that includes a free-standing emergency room and outpatient services like CT, X-ray and MRI. Look for an opening in the summer of 2012. Our Lady of the Lake estimates 175,000 patient visits in the first year alone.
Rotolo's
The casual family-owned Italian restuarant opened an upscale location in the summer of 2011 along La. 447, serving pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, wraps and fresh gelato.
Stine Lumber
Stine Lumber just opened a $14 million, 100,000-square-foot home improvement store in the heart of Walker. The store boasts a drive-through lumber yard, appliances and an extensive garden center. President/CEO Dennis Stine told a gathering at the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce that Walker won out because market research indicated Livingston Parish has a $41 million potential home improvement market, but only one other existing warehouse store.
Compressor Engineering Corporation
Houston-based Compressor Engineering Corporation and CECO Pipeline Services expanded their production, repair and pipeline construction operations with a 44,000-square-foot facility in Walker. The company is the world's largest independent manufacturer of engine and compressor replacement parts. Their customers include gas pipelines, gathering and processing companies, petrochemical, industrial and refrigeration plants worldwide. The Walker site consists of offices, a parts warehouse, machine shop and equipment staging area. CECO President Richard Hotze says the Walker facility is midway between the Irondale, Alabama and Houston, Texas offices of CECO Pipeline Services, a location that will enable the company to provide a quick response to support its eastern Louisiana and western Mississippi pileline customers. Walker was the fourth CECO Pipeline Services office to open in five years. Says Mr. Hotze: "These new facilities position CECO and CECO Pipeline Services to embrace and serve our Louisiana and Mississippi customers, from Acadiana and Greater New Orleans to North Louisiana, from the Mississippi Delta to the Pine Belt and back offshore."
LeBlanc's Grocery
LeBlanc's Grocery opened a 43,000-square-foot store in early 2009. The store boasts a floral department, a deli, an extensive beer selection and fresh sushi served daily, in addition to a full-service supermarket operation. Walker is one of eight locations owned and operated by the fourth-generation independent retailers.
Walmart expansion
The Walker Walmart was one of about 500 stores the chain remodeled nationwide this year. The renovation focused on making the store appear brighter and more open, with wider aisles, low-profile shelving, a bright interior paint scheme, improved lighting and easier-to-read signs. The firm also expanded the electronics department to offer customers a hands-on experience, with interactive displays for hi-definition, Blue-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The new layout also groups together products that customers purchase the most.
Dow Credit Union
Dow Louisiana Federal Credit Union opened a 5,000-square-foot Financial Resource Center at 28645 Walker South Road. The firm offers full teller and lending services, including business services, deposits, consumer loans, mortgage lending, investment services and more. "We are delighted to provide another new, convenient, full-service location to our member-owners living in the Livingston area," says President/CEO Jeff Hendrickson. "This location provides an added level of convenience for the day-to-day lives of our busy members who live and work in this area."
Boardwalk Antiques
This upscale yet affordable antique store opened on Florida Boulevard in October 2011, expanding the number of vintage shops along the City of Walker's Antique Rowe. Boardwalk Antiques has a wide selection of heirloom furniture, knick knacks, glassware, artwork, collectibles and seasonal items.