Solar manufacturing facility opens in Laccassine

Solar manufacturing facility opens in Laccassine

Published 6:41 am Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Ice Industries Inc., an Ohio-based industrial manufacturer and supplier, celebrated the grand opening of its new $6 million solar manufacturing facility on Tuesday in Jeff Davis Parish.

The facility, located in the former Zagis cotton textile facility in Lacassine, is a first for Louisiana and signifies the expansion of its North American footprint, according to Ice Industries Chief Executive Officer Howard Ice. It will produce roll-forming steel back rails for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels for First Solar’s solar panel manufacturing facility in New Iberia.

Ice said the company spent nine months converting the previously vacant facility, transforming it into a manufacturing facility

The new 150,000-square-foot facility officially began operations in September and is projected to initially produce one million reels per month for First Solar before expanding production. It is expected to create more than 70 local jobs.

Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Director Cesilee Oliver said the opening marks an exciting new chapter for economic growth in Southwest Louisiana, creating high quality, well-paying. She noted that the development also offers a great opportunity for individuals looking to return home, settle down and raise their families in the area.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the celebration represents much more than just putting up a facility.

“This specific investment, a $6 million project that will create more than 70 great jobs, is proof that Louisiana’s economy is not only growing, but it’s diversifying,” Bourgeois said. “And it’s happening in every corner of the state …It’s happening everywhere and I am thrilled that it is happening here today, especially because Ice Industries could have chosen anywhere. They chose anywhere to expand, but they chose Louisiana, and they chose Jeff Davis Parish. They chose our people, they chose our workforce, and they chose our business climate.”

“Ice Industries saw what we in LED see every day that we are a state now that is serious about competitiveness, we’re seriously committed to innovation, and we’re ready to lead in America’s energy future.”

Bourgeois said the facility will play a vital role in domestic supply chains producing American-made components to support solar projects.

“Today isn’t just about opening a new facility, it’s about strengthening the backbone of American manufacturing,” Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer for First Solar said.

He added that the facility, “using American steel, operated by American workers and designed to support American energy dominance while bringing jobs and prosperity into our communities.”

“It’s not just a business,” he said. “It’s an economic plan in action.”

Antoun said Ice Industries is joining “tens of thousands of men and women across the country, who are rolling up their sleeves and building the future of energy right here at home.”

“This factory is a testament of what happens when American companies invest in our communities,” he continued. “It’s about more than just fuel and solar. It’s about dignity, it’s about pride and the belief that the future of energy should be made in the heart.”