Tomakk Glass Partners has announced the launch of its tempered glass fabrication facility in Shreveport. Tomakk is the only glass fabrication and tempering facility within three hours of Shreveport, and one of only two such facilities in Louisiana, and serves residential, commercial and architectural clients.

Tempered glass is a safety glass that does not break into sharp pieces when shattered and includes products such as shower glass, office windows, and more.

Operating since February of this year, the company currently serves the Ark-La-Tex region with plans to expand. Tomakk employs 16 manufacturing professionals and has projections to double employment within the year.

“Our state-of-the-art facility in the Southern Hills neighborhood of Shreveport meets the demand of the regional market with proven methods and world-class technology. Our team offers the region’s highest quality glass – and the region’s only fabricated and tempered glass production,” said Clay Hargett, Tomakk President and co-founder. “We’re now able to offer these products locally, which will save customers time and money.”

Tomakk is a portfolio company of the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP). EAP is a division of BRF, an economic development organization with a mission to grow and diversify North Louisiana’s economy. Tomakk took advantage of EAP’s suite of entrepreneurial and startup services, from pitch decks to investment and launch. EAP’s model has resulted in more than 270 new jobs with a payroll of $15.3 million and almost $100 million in capital raised for companies headquartered in North Louisiana. Since inception, EAP has provided services to 288 companies or entrepreneurs.

“Tomakk is a great example of the EAP system at work,” said Dave Smith, EAP Executive Director. “Two local businessmen recognized a demand in our market, found a solution, and EAP, through its suite of services, helped them achieve their goals. Not only are new jobs created through the launch of Tomakk, but our region’s economy is diversified with new industry.”

Tomakk is an advanced manufacturing company, part of a key industry for Louisiana.

“The modern manufacturing industry in Louisiana relies on advanced technologies, state-of-the-art facilities and fast-paced work environments that require advanced skills and that result in rewarding careers,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. “Tomakk Glass Partners is a welcome addition to our advanced manufacturing sector. This project will create good manufacturing jobs while filling a market niche for tempered glass in Louisiana’s Northwest Region and beyond.”

Louisiana has a strong manufacturing workforce. In all, Louisiana graduates more than 22,000 per year with credentials relevant to the manufacturing industry, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Tomakk has benefitted from Louisiana Economic Development’s (LED) Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), which provides property tax abatement for up to 10 years on a manufacturer’s new investment and annualized capitalization addition. Tomakk’s ITEP incentive was facilitated by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP).

“Our region stands ready with the assets and workforce needed for the expansion of advanced manufacturing operations,” said Adam Johnston, NLEP Board Chair. “The North Louisiana Economic Partnership has been pleased to assist Tomakk Glass Partners in their launch and assist them in working with local and state officials with the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. We congratulate them on bringing new jobs and industry to our area.”

“Tomakk is an innovative business that is contributing to the economic revitalization of Southern Hills, one of Shreveport’s most storied communities. I commend Tomakk and the Southern Hills Business Association (SHBA) for their effort to return manufacturing jobs to this area,” said Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. “We look forward to their success and growth.”

Hargett and co-founder Scott Hoffman, both Shreveport locals, lead the company. Hargett’s background is in oil and gas, and formerly he was a managing partner for ArkLaTex Glass and Mirror. Hoffman, whose background is in construction, also was a partner in ArkLaTex Glass and Mirror.

Hargett and Hoffman envisioned opening a glass tempering facility in Shreveport to fill an existing need in the area.

“Shreveport is strategically positioned to serve metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, Little Rock and even Atlanta. Louisiana has a lower cost structure, taxes and cost of living,” said Hoffman. “Tomakk was founded to meet the demand and supply for its regional market, but we have plans to expand and serve customers in nearby larger metros.”

“We have been assisted by several groups to get to our launch, including EAP and BRF, NLEP, SHBA, the private investment community, the Greater Shreveport Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LED and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. Our partner, Rand Falbaum, brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to help us drive growth and technical excellence,” said Hargett. “We thank everyone for the support and look forward to growing here.”

Learn more about Tomakk by visiting www.Tomakkglass.com.