New plan to save shipyard jobs in Jefferson Parish

Officials with Huntington - Ingalls today announced they are taking a big step toward trying to keep the 2,000 jobs at the Avondale Shipyard.  Officials say they want to transition the facility from ship building to constructing equipment, modules and structures for the oil industry.  

 

They are opening an office in Houston to try and make that happen.

 

"We think we can absolutely compete in that market," Company Vice President Chris Kastner said.  "Opening an office in Houston just allows us to get closer to the customers."

 

He says if they can secure contracts to build modules for oil refineries and structures for offshore oil work, they can keep the current jobs in tact.  He says they should know by the end of the year if they can keep all the current 2,000 employees.

 

"Based on the timing of those projects, we would hope to sustain that level,"  Kastner said.  "If we are unable to get new projects, we will lose additional people."

Listen to Kastner: