SHREVEPORT, LA – North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) announced it has acquired the former Libbey Glass manufacturing complex at 4302 Jewella Avenue in Shreveport, a ~54-acre, rail-served industrial site with approximately 850,000+ square feet of existing facilities. The acquisition positions NLEP to accelerate reinvestment in one of the region’s most visible legacy industrial campuses and to prepare the property for modern manufacturing jobs.
The purchase, completed in partnership with regional and state stakeholders, advances a shared strategy to remediate, reposition, and market the site for new private-sector investment. As the lead economic development organization for the region, NLEP is spearheading the transformation of the property to a shovel-ready opportunity for future employers. This effort reflects years of partnership-building and the organization’s focus on quality jobs and investment.
“The purchase of the former Libbey Glass property is a critical step in advancing Northwest Louisiana’s economic future. By taking ownership of this site, NLEP can ensure it is prepared for modern industry and positioned to attract new investment. This effort reflects our commitment to creating quality jobs, supporting local communities, and turning long-standing challenges into opportunities. With the right preparation, this site can once again become a source of growth and pride for Shreveport and the entire region,” says Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of NLEP.
“This acquisition demonstrates what can be accomplished when state and regional partners work together toward a shared vision for growth. The Libbey site has long been an important part of Shreveport’s history, and now it has the potential to play an equally important role in our future. By preparing this property for new employers, we are strengthening Northwest Louisiana’s position as a competitive destination for investment and laying the groundwork for good-paying jobs that will benefit families across our community,” says Senator Thomas Pressly, District 38. Senator Pressly’s leadership has been central in securing state support for this strategic acquisition, reflecting Louisiana’s commitment to positioning Northwest Louisiana as a competitive hub for advanced industry.
“We are excited to announce the successful closing of the acquisition of the Libbey Glass facility in Shreveport. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to revitalizing the site and transforming it into a vibrant hub for redevelopment. Our vision is to breathe new life into this historic property, creating economic growth and new opportunities for the community. We look forward to partnering with local stakeholders to make this redevelopment a success,” says Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts, Caddo Parish Commission District 7.
“The former Libbey Glass campus is both a historic relic that once provided many jobs and, in recent years, an unfortunate eyesore in our community. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in transforming that challenge into opportunity — revitalizing the site to be both functional and attractive for future investors, while uplifting the surrounding neighborhood. By reinvesting in one of Northwest Louisiana’s most visible industrial assets, we send a clear signal that Shreveport is open for business, ready to grow, and committed to creating quality jobs that allow our residents to thrive. The Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority is proud to support efforts that create opportunities for quality jobs, attract private investment, and revitalize one of our community’s most visible corridors,” says Marian Claville-Burks, Chairwoman of the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority.
Libbey’s Shreveport operations ceased at the end of 2020 due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, closing a significant chapter in the community’s industrial history. With NLEP’s acquisition, the site will undergo a structured evaluation to determine what preparation will maximize speed-to-market for new employers.
Additional details will be shared as redevelopment plans progress and as NLEP advances the project from acquisition to activation.