Industrial park planned on Mills Highway

Plans are underway to build an industrial park on Mills Highway within the Breaux Bridge corporate limits, according to M&M Oil Tools owner David Buck and his daughter, Heather Indest, president of Cypress Meadow Properties.

The 11-acre tract where M&M is located was purchased three years ago and has been rezoned “light industrial” by the Breaux Bridge Planning and Zoning Commission.

Going under the name Shady Oaks Industrial Park, the site has been subdivided into nine lots, including the one on which sits M&M.

Indest, who is handling the real estate development, said that one business has already entered into a lease agreement with an additional three companies actively engaged in negotiations. Buck said that he will build to suit, primarily for oil related companies, offering long term lease options.

Citing its proximity to I-10, Lafayette and Baton Rouge, Buck said the park is ideally suited with an abundance of local skilled labor eager to work in Breaux Bridge rather than commuting to Lafayette or Iberia parishes.

Buck said one of his main goals is to generate lots of good-paying jobs in the area, thus helping to fuel the local economy. M&M currently employs 23 persons, the majority of which are machinists, welders and assemblymen, he said. Buck said he plans to hire three more which will bring his projected 2014 payroll to $700,000.

“Breaux Bridge is a great community and its people make the difference,” said Buck, who has several businesses in town. He added that the city administration is very pro-growth and compares favorably to the town of Broussard in this respect.

When Buck acquired M&M, a 54-year-old oilfield service and rental tool company, he relocated it to Breaux Bridge from New Iberia. At its current location of 1369 W. Mills Hwy., M&M has expanded its service line by offering state-of-the-art drilling tools fabricated using the latest CNC (computer numerical control)technology and machinery. With its modern design, the new factory has increased capacity with enhanced quality control and improved productivity. This, Buck said, has improved their position in the global market.

Buck sees Mills Avenue as a prime location for industrial growth. Noting that industry giants JP Oil and Moncla Well Service are situated on the “Breaux Bridge Highway,” Buck sees significant industrial development for the area, providing a huge boost to the local economy while providing a much needed face-lift to the area as well.