Recently U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $9.98 million in grants to 15 small shipyards throughout the United States to pay for modernizations that will increase productivity and help the country’s small shipyards compete in the global marketplace.

“In cities and towns across America, shipyards are creating jobs and keeping our nation's economy growing," said Secretary LaHood. "These small shipyard grants reflect the Obama administration's commitment to strengthening our transportation systems and creating an economy that's built to last."

 LEEVAC Shipyards, LLC (Jennings, Louisiana) - will use a $667,324 grant to purchase a pipe and tube bending system that will bend pipes to the correct geometry required, eliminating the need to weld pipe sections by hand