Our Economy

Northeast Louisiana’s economy is anchored by a diverse mix of industries, each contributing to the region’s steady growth and economic vitality. At the heart of this robust economic landscape are key players such as Drax, Lamb Weston, and Graphic Packaging International. These prominent companies, with their global reach and local impact, help shape the economic foundation of NELA.

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Driving Our NELA Economy

Globally-recognized companies employ a large amount of Northeast Louisiana residents. Employers like Graphic Packaging International, Lamb Weston, and Drax, have a global reach and while making a local impact. Graphic Packaging International, a local cornerstone, is contributing to the region’s manufacturing sector through high-quality packaging solutions. Lamb Weston, a major food processing company, drives agricultural innovation and provides employment opportunities across the region. Drax, a leading renewable energy provider, is pioneering sustainable solutions while supporting the local workforce.

At the heart of this robust economic landscape are family-owned, family-operated, high-growth businesses. Mid South Extrusion is an industry leader, producing blown films used in flexible packaging solutions, industrial manufacturing, and consumer goods. Mid South Extrusion announced a $17 Million expansion in the fall of 2024. Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, owned by brothers Josh and Caleb Etheridge, has grown to more than 100 employees, and has become a preferred conduit provider, receiving millions of dollars local, state and federal contracts. For more than 60 years, Haring Catfish has provided quality, local jobs, while process more than 300,000 pounds of catfish each week. And, since 1971, Copeland Electric has delivered full-service electric solutions for thousands of Industrial, Commercial, and Residential projects throughout the country.

These are just a few of the companies that are employers-of-choice in Northeast Louisiana, that drive the regional economy through investment and job creation.

Lamb Weston

Lamb Weston, a division of ConAgra Foods, is a cornerstone of Northeast Louisiana’s economy, employing 300 people and serving as the largest employer in Richland Parish. Located just seven miles from the Bee Bayou site, the 165,000-square-foot Delhi Plant is a world leader in food processing innovation as the first large-scale facility specifically designed to produce high-quality frozen sweet potato products. This cutting-edge facility is also the first of its kind globally to achieve LEED® Platinum certification, reflecting its sustainable design and operations. Its environmental and economic contributions include significant water conservation, reduced energy use, and improved community health benefits.

Graphic Packaging

Graphic Packaging International (GPI) is a vital economic driver in Northeast Louisiana, operating the world’s largest folding carton plant in Monroe and the largest GPI papermill in West Monroe. As one of the region’s top three employers, GPI plays a critical role in the local economy, directly and indirectly supporting businesses, workforce development, and community initiatives. The Monroe facility produces a variety of renewable and recyclable paperboard packaging materials used by major brands worldwide, serving as the sole regional producer of certain products essential to the global supply chain. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, GPI leads the packaging industry while contributing significantly to environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Drax

Drax Biomass, headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana, is a leader in sustainable energy production, contributing significantly to the local economy with over 125 employees in Northeast Louisiana and 190 statewide. The company operates three compressed wood pellet plants, including Morehouse Bioenergy in Bastrop and LaSalle Bioenergy in Urania, with an additional facility in Gloster, Mississippi. Since transitioning its corporate headquarters from Atlanta in 2018, Drax Biomass has remained committed to sustainability, from responsible wood sourcing to eco-conscious production and shipping. In 2017, the company shipped nearly 945,000 metric tons of pellets to support renewable energy at the Drax Group power plant in the UK, playing a vital role in shaping a cleaner global energy future.

Top NELA Employers

Beyond these significant companies, NELA's economy is further bolstered by a range of industries from agriculture and forestry to healthcare, technology, and logistics. Together, these sectors fuel job creation, foster innovation, and position Northeast Louisiana as an attractive place for businesses and families alike.