by KAREN LAGRANGE COX
Photos by LARRY COX
SafeSource Direct welcomes a vertically integrated strategic business partner, Aquaspersions. A groundbreaking event was held this morning at the location of the upcoming Aquaspersions facility on Talon Lake Road in Broussard.
SafeSource Direct, owned by David Hollingsworth and Steve Mott, is a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) located in Broussard. They currently manufacturer masks, gloves and shoe coverings, all of which helps protect workers.
Aquaspersions, located in Halifax, West Yorkshire in England, manufactures chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of gloves. The chemicals helps to make the gloves stronger which is a plus for the glove section of PPE supplies. There facility is expected to be ready in August or September of 2023. This will bring twenty five new jobs along with $5.5M in Capital Investment.
Although the facility will be located in the city limits of Broussard which is primarily in Lafayette Parish, this area is in St. Martin Parish.
Aquaspersions is a world leader in dispersions. Dr. Alan Bewsher, Group CEO and Steve Mackenzie is Group Production Manager. Both were on hand for the groundbreaking for their facility.
Bewsher, who has a PhD in chemistry, said having their facility in the United States gives them a more global status. He visited several states which were not suitable for them. Once he met Hollingsworth, he said everything changed. It was then he made the decision to locate their facility in Broussard and partner with SafeSource Direct.
Bewsher said he likes the local support and collaboration provided by those in this area. Brewsher does want to “take, take, take” while also giving back. Local materials, resources people and operations will be utilized for Aquaspersions.
Aquaspersions has a commitment to innovation and said PPE will be big in the United States. It was said it is the goal for making Broussard the hub for manufacturing PPE for the United States.
City of Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque said “It is exciting to see what this will do for the city and the region. Many people like the collaborative attitude of our area”.
Many organizations were involved in helping Aquaspersions come here. From the City of Broussard, to the Economic Development Districts to the Chamber of Commerces along with others, help make this happen.
St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars said, “It is important to compete with but not against each other. This opens doors for opportunities and can’t wait to see what is next”.
Bourque, Cedars, State Senator Gerald Boudreaux, State Representative Mike Huval, Broussard Chamber of Commerce President Stacey Romero, Broussard City Council Members Jeff Delahoussaye and Jesse Regan, One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman, Broussard Economic Development Corporation President Toby Abshire, Lafayette Economic Development District President and CEO Mandi Mitchel, St. Martin Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer Stelly along with many others were in attendance of the event.
Edited at 2:13 p.m. on November 30, 2022 to correct David Mott to Steve Mott.
