COVINGTON, LA — Gov. John Bel Edwards and Ampirical Solutions LLC President Matthew Saacks announce the company will build a 78,000-square-foot corporate headquarters near Covington, Louisiana, and consolidate its existing St. Tammany Parish locations into the new office building.

A national company specializing in electrical infrastructure engineering, design and construction management, Ampirical will create 400 new direct jobs over the next decade, with an average annual salary of more than $85,000, plus benefits. Ampirical will retain 120 existing jobs, with the project generating an estimated 350 construction jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project — which includes a $20-million capital investment — will result in 244 new indirect jobs, for a total of 644 new jobs in Southeast Louisiana.

“Ampirical is a great example of the private-sector business development we’re cultivating for a better, stronger Louisiana economy,” Edwards said. “Launched by entrepreneurs in post-Katrina Louisiana, Ampirical has developed a team of Electrical Engineers, 3D-Design Professionals, Construction Project Managers and Support Staff who are building a company steeped in cutting-edge technology and service.”

Founded in Mandeville, Louisiana, in 2006, Ampirical specializes in the design and construction of electrical substations and switchyards, protective relays and controls, transmission lines, distributions lines and related infrastructure. Customers include investor-owned utilities, municipalities, industrial plants, electrical cooperatives and independent power producers.

“Since our inception over 13 years ago, Ampirical has enjoyed the benefits unique to operating a business in St. Tammany Parish,” Saacks said. “We recruit professional talent from across the country, and we’re able to attract and retain superior candidates because of the quality of life offered here, whether that’s in educational opportunities, attractive communities, or proximity to all that the greater New Orleans area provides.”

Ampirical offers customers complete engineering, procurement and construction services focused on the electrical grid. Those services include specialization in 3D-modeling, intelligent design and cybersecurity that enhances the reliability and protection of electric power transmission and distribution operations.

LED began discussions with the company about a potential corporate headquarters project in June 2017, and GNO Inc. assisted Ampirical in real estate options, cost comparisons and potential incentives. Since then, the St. Tammany Corporation has assisted Ampirical’s team in implementing development plans for growing the company in St. Tammany Parish. In conjunction with the expansion project, Ampirical is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.

“Companies like Ampirical make an incredible difference in our communities by creating high-quality jobs and opportunities for our workforce and families to thrive,” said CEO Chris Masingill of St. Tammany Corporation. “Ampirical’s commitment to remain in the parish and expand reinforces our ability to support the scientific and technical services industry sector and the strength of our pro-business environment. Having Ampirical as a partner in economic development is a vital asset to the St. Tammany business landscape.”

Ampirical anticipates completing the three-story corporate headquarters building, located at the northwest corner of Louisiana Highway 21 and Interstate 12, at the end of 2020, with movement to the building shortly thereafter. The headquarters will be located on a 5.5-acre site, with additional acreage available for future growth.

“The growth of companies like Ampirical is particularly important to St. Tammany, greater New Orleans and Louisiana, because corporate headquarters are the wellspring of jobs, purchasing, philanthropy and future entrepreneurs,” said GNO Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht. “We are proud to have worked with Ampirical, and partnered with the St. Tammany Corporation and LED, to support the growth of this innovative homegrown headquarters.”

“Since our inception over 13 years ago, Ampirical has enjoyed the benefits unique to operating a business in St. Tammany Parish,” Saacks said in a prepared statement. “We’ve also been successful in hiring graduates who grew up in St. Tammany who are grateful that they can find a career in their hometown and not have to move away for prosperous jobs.”

The three-story building, which will be located on a 5.5-acre site at the northwest corner of Louisiana 21 and Interstate 12 will be completed by the end of 2020.