Bizneworleans.com

NEW ORLEANS – Gov. Bobby Jindal and Cajo Technologies executive Ismo Rantala announced the Finland-based company will establish a New Orleans manufacturing site focused on laser-based machinery that creates permanent markings and color patterns on almost any material.

         The company will create 40 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 47 new indirect jobs, for a total of 87 new jobs in the region.

         Founded in 2010, Cajo Technologies employs a patented method for applying extremely precise markings and permanent color patterns, with practical applications in manufacturing industries. The company’s process relies on the use of traditional laser beams with no additives or pigments. Headquartered in Kempele in northern Finland, Cajo’s fully automated marking systems can be seamlessly integrated into customers’ production lines. In addition to fully automated machines, the company will make manual and semi-manual standalone machines at the New Orleans facility.

         “We are excited to welcome Cajo Technologies to greater New Orleans, where the company can take advantage of the region’s strong manufacturing history,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “What makes this announcement particularly exciting is that it marks the first of what will become many wins for greater New Orleans from the Scandinavian business accelerator Nest, which recently started its New Orleans office.”

         Gov. Jindal said, “Every day, Louisiana attracts more investment capital and new job creation from foreign markets. Based in Finland, Cajo Technologies is the latest international company to recognize the competitive business climate advantages that Louisiana provides and the unique work-life entrepreneurial advantages that New Orleans offers. We’re proud that our state and our largest city continue to stand out in the international arena as destinations for forward-thinking companies seeking the new frontier for business opportunity.”

         Cajo identified New Orleans as a prime location for its entry into North America while a client of Nest New York, a business accelerator that recently opened a New Orleans office. Nest focuses on introducing north European companies into U.S. markets.

         “We chose Louisiana for the Cajo Technologies U.S. headquarters for many reasons: Louisiana has a very cost-efficient business environment to launch sales and production operations in the same place,” said Rantala, who manages U.S. operations for Cajo Technologies. “Additionally, LED and GNO Inc. have been truly professional and have effectively helped to provide many business solutions, like finding the right customer segments, getting regional statistics, identifying workforce solutions and identifying a business facility with great production features.”

         Cajo Technologies will locate its U.S. headquarters at Landing Zone New Orleans, a co-working space and business incubator. The company will house both sales and production in 2,000 square feet leased at the incubator. Cajo’s manufacturing operations will include the production of its patented laser color-marking machinery. The company began moving into the Landing Zone in June 2015 and plans to start commercial operations in September 2015. Cajo has begun hiring and estimates it will complete the hiring process by the end of 2017.

         “We are proud to welcome Cajo Technologies to New Orleans,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “Manufacturing continues to be a major industry for the local economy, and that is why we are seeing companies like Cajo choose to do business here. Our economic development agencies are partnering like never before and I commend them for the work that they have done to position New Orleans and Louisiana as an industry leader.”

         “Cajo’s decision to locate in New Orleans illustrates several distinguishing advantages we offer to businesses – our important role as a globally focused city, a strong and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the unique intersection of commercial opportunity and quality of life,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., president and CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance. “New Orleans also has the workforce talent that will enable Cajo to hit the ground running. We’re thrilled to welcome a global advanced manufacturing company like Cajo to the city. I’m confident that as New Orleans Business Alliance; LED; GNO, Inc.; and the City of New Orleans continue our collaboration, more will follow in Cajo’s footsteps.”

         LED began working with Cajo Technologies on expansion plans in March 2015. To secure the manufacturing project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1-ranked state workforce development program. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.