Forbes Magazine recently released a report by New Geography that ranked Lafayette as the eighth best manufacturing city in America. Lafayette is up 14 spots from it's 2013 ranking. In addition Lafayette is up two spots from 2013 numbers as the number one mid-size metro area.

According to the report, new energy finds, resulting construction and expansion of pipelines and refineries have triggered more investment. Many Southern cities benefited from favorable business climates with lower taxes and non-union work forces.

President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Greg Gothreaux said,

This ranking confirms that Lafayette is poised to position itself as the manufacturing center among our peer communities.. There is a skilled workforce available throughout the region to accommodate manufacturing facilities at all levels. As more high-tech/advanced manufacturing operations are launched in the region, I am confident that Acadiana’s workforce will exceed expectations.

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