Courtesy of Louisiana Central.

Oct. 28, 2025 – Rapides Parish, LA – Major Employer in Central Louisiana Breaks Ground on New Electrical Substation Manufacturing Facility at Central Louisiana Regional Port – Public-Private Partnership’s $23.578 Million Investment in action.

Today, the Central Louisiana Regional Port and Louisiana Central hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations (DTPS) manufacturing facility at the Port. The transformative $23.578 million multi-agency project represents a significant expansion of the Port’s industrial base and a major advancement in Louisiana’s role in national energy resilience and grid modernization.

DTPS’s expansion will further support Louisiana’s skilled manufacturing workforce, creating construction and long-term fabrication jobs while bolstering the regional supply chain for high-demand electrical infrastructure improvements.

The new complex, anticipated to be completed by December 2026, will feature 149,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space and approximately 21 acres of heavy-duty hardstand, making it one of the largest and most advanced electrical substation manufacturing facilities in the Gulf South. This expansion supports DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations, a subsidiary of Crest Industries based in Pineville, Louisiana, and a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-voltage electrical substations that are critical to modernizing the nation’s electric grid.

"This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and a clear indicator of Central Louisiana's growing importance in the national energy landscape," said Chris Masingill, President & CEO of Louisiana Central. "We know that data from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s International Trade Administration shows that electrical equipment is one of the top five exports from our region, drawing in new dollars to our local economy from abroad, and DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations is a key contributor to that economic productivity. This is a company that is not just building a facility; they are reinvesting in our community to build a stronger, more resilient future for our region and our nation."

"Crest Industries and DTPS are excited to be part of this collaborative project,” said David Perry, President of DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations. “With increasing demand for our Factory-Built Substations, we’re proud to partner with CLRP and other stakeholders to continue driving innovation, growth and manufacturing excellence in Central Louisiana and beyond.”

“The City of Alexandria is proud to serve as a partner in support of this key Port expansion project," said Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy. “I am pleased the City could offer land at the Port to accommodate growth for DIS-TRAN. DIS-TRAN is part of the innovative and fast-growing Crest Family of Companies, and Alexandria is proud to do its part helping this regional economic driver increase America’s energy security.”

"This groundbreaking marks a pivotal moment for the Port and for Louisiana,” said Ben Russo, Executive Director of the Central Louisiana Regional Port. “The expansion of DTPS and construction of the new electrical substation manufacturing facility reinforces Central Louisiana’s reputation as a hub for advanced electrical manufacturing and ensures our state plays a central role in powering the nation’s modern energy network."

The partnership among the Central Louisiana Regional Port, DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations, Red River Waterway Commission, City of Alexandria, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Kisatchie Delta and the Delta Regional Authority represents a model of regional collaboration and shared vision.

The project aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Resilience Strategy and “Made in America” initiatives and complements the State of Louisiana’s vision for industrial diversification, infrastructure renewal, and workforce advancement across the I-14 and Red River corridors.

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About Louisiana Central

Louisiana Central is the regional economic development organization for the 10-parish Central Louisiana region, representing Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn Parishes. Louisiana Central is dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity in Central Louisiana. The region has a population of more than 350,000 and a business and industrial base that includes agricultural, manufacturing, and logistics and distribution assets.Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, Louisiana Central works to attract new businesses, support existing industries, and enhance the region's overall economic vitality. To learn more about Louisiana Central, visit www.louisiana-central.com.

About DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations

DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations has been an industry leader in the design and supply of highvoltage, open-air substations, and switchyards since 1965. Over a half-century of building meaningful relationships with our customers and vendors boils down to one thing: people. We take pride in our collaborative approach where everything we do is designed to deliver the project the right way. With unique, cutting-edge product lines and innovative thinking, we’re changing the way substations are built.

About Crest Industries

Founded in 1958, Crest Industries is the operating company for a family of world-class project-oriented businesses specialized in electric power delivery, industrial services, distribution, specialty chemicals, and natural resources. Crest Industries is a company rooted in our people and built around progress – growing year after year, unafraid to embrace bold, new ideas to improve the way we support our teams, clients, and communities. Learn more at www.crestoperations.com

About Central Louisiana Regional Port

The Central Louisiana Regional Port is a multimodal transportation hub that plays a crucial role in the economic development of the region. The Port provides efficient access to national and international markets, supporting a diverse range of industries and fostering job creation.

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