SUBSCRIBE
As advanced manufacturing and clean energy investments continue to reshape Louisiana’s industrial footprint, Mullin played a key role in delivering the exterior environment at First Solar’s new $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish.
Working alongside general contractor Rudolf Libbe, Mullin led the landscape and irrigation installation for the 2.4 million-square-foot facility, supporting a campus that spans more than 130 acres and now employs hundreds of Louisiana workers. The project reflects how landscape construction functions as essential site infrastructure on large-scale industrial developments, supporting operations, safety and workforce experience from day one, according to the company.
“On projects of this size, landscape is not an afterthought,” said Chase Mullin, founder and CEO of Mullin. “It is part of the infrastructure. It supports drainage and circulation, protects long-term investment and helps create an environment that reflects the scale and importance of the work happening inside the facility.”
Mullin’s scope at the First Solar Iberia Parish facility included the installation of 175 trees to define circulation corridors, buffer industrial zones and soften building mass across the site. The team completed approximately 130 acres of hydroseeded areas engineered for erosion control and long-term site stability, along with four acres of sod in high-visibility and high-traffic locations.
The project also required the installation of a large-scale irrigation system, including a dedicated pump serving parking areas and outdoor employee spaces. Mullin completed minor drainage improvements coordinated with site grading and installed limestone at mechanical, electrical and plumbing access points, as well as other high-traffic areas to improve durability and ongoing maintenance access.
Work was completed in August 2025 and coordinated across multiple phases as the facility ramped up production ahead of schedule.
“These projects demand experienced project managers, operators, irrigation specialists and field leaders who understand how industrial sites function,” Mullin said. “They create real career pathways for our crews and reinforce that landscape construction and maintenance is a technical trade with long-term opportunity.”
As industrial, energy, and manufacturing facilities continue to expand across Louisiana and the Gulf South, Mullin has increased its focus on training, safety, and leadership development to meet growing demand for complex site and landscape infrastructure.
At the Iberia Parish facility, landscape work supports more than visual appeal. It contributes to circulation, stormwater management, outdoor gathering areas and the overall experience of employees and visitors who interact with the site daily.
“Exterior environments shape how people engage with a facility before they ever step inside,” Mullin added. “For a project of this magnitude, those details matter. They support recruitment, retention, and pride in the workplace.”
Project EverGreen announces expansions and awards for its 20th anniversary
Project EverGreen marks the 20th anniversary of GreenCare for Troops, celebrating two decades of mobilizing green industry professionals to provide free lawn, landscape and snow removal services to military families nationwide.
As part of this milestone year, the organization is expanding program eligibility to include disabled veterans in select states — a meaningful next step in extending support to those who have served. Additionally, irrigation maintenance and seasonal irrigation services are new services available to families through the registration process.
Over 20 years, thousands of green industry professionals have donated their time and expertise delivering season-long services that allow families to focus on staying connected while a loved one serves.
“For 20 years, GreenCare for Troops has been rooted in the power of healthy, well-maintained green spaces,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Cared-for lawns and landscapes do more than enhance curb appeal. They create cooler, healthier outdoor environments and a sense of stability at home. When volunteers step in during deployment, they’re not just mowing grass; they’re sustaining living green spaces that support families and strengthen communities.”
20 years serving those who serve:
- $20 million in donated services
- 15,000 professional volunteers
- 20,000 military families served
- All 50 states reached
Expansion to disabled veterans
Beginning March 2026, GreenCare for Troops will offer services to disabled veterans in Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas — states where strong volunteer capacity supports responsible program growth.
Eligible veterans may receive up to one year of donated service when a volunteer is available in their area, with the opportunity to reapply annually based on need and capacity. Additional states may be added as volunteer participation expands. This strategic rollout allows Project EverGreen to grow thoughtfully while maintaining the reliability and professionalism that define the program.
In addition to supporting military families and disabled veterans, GreenCare for Troops strengthens participating companies. Volunteers consistently report improved employee pride, stronger team culture and deeper community engagement.
With ongoing deployments and continued demand for support, Project EverGreen is actively seeking new volunteers to sustain and expand services — including disabled veterans in participating states.
Volunteer of the Year Awards launch in June
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Project EverGreen will introduce a Volunteer of the Year Awards program recognizing three exceptional volunteers who have demonstrated consistent service, compassion and long-term commitment. Nominated directly by the families they serve, the awards will highlight authentic stories of impact and dedication.
Nominations will open June 1, 2026.
New GreenCare for Troops website
Project EverGreen has also launched a redesigned GreenCare for Troops home page, making it easier for military families, disabled veterans and volunteers to access information quickly and confidently.
Clear eligibility guidelines, streamlined registration, updated FAQs and improved navigation ensure a user-friendly experience that reflects the professionalism and reliability at the heart of the program.
Jackson Professional Tool celebrates 150th anniversary with sweepstakes
Jackson Professional Tools, a brand of The AMES Companies and a long-standing supplier of professional-grade wheelbarrows, marked its 150th anniversary by announcing a major sweepstakes where participants can enter for a chance to win a Honda FourTrax Rubicon. The sweepstakes simultaneously celebrates this milestone while honoring the professionals who rely on the company’s tools.
Originally launched at World of Concrete 2026, the sweepstakes is open for entries until May 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The celebration serves as a tribute to Jackson’s craftsmanship and trust since its founding in 1876, according to the company.
“Reaching 150 years is an incredible milestone that speaks to Jackson’s enduring legacy and the generations of professionals who have trusted our products to get the job done,” said Bill Glusing, president, AMES North America. “This anniversary is not only a celebration of our traditions of quality and innovation, but an opportunity to give back to those who have been a part of our journey. The anniversary sweepstakes is our way to thank the loyal customers who have supported us for 150 years and continue to inspire everything we do. It’s their hard work, along with the dedication of our team, that will ensure that the Jackson name remains strong for generations to come.”
Founded during America’s “New Industrial Revolution,” Jackson Professional Tools began in Harrisburg, Pa., in 1876. To enter the sweepstakes and learn more information about Jackson Professional Tools, visit the Jackson Professional Tools website.
Massey Services acquires Solve Pest Pros
Massey Services, a provider of pest management services, acquired Solve Pest Pros of Jacksonville, N.C. Founded in 2023, Solve Pest Pros of Jacksonville has been providing residential pest, mosquito and termite services throughout the area.
With this acquisition, Massey Services continues to strengthen its presence in the state, where it will now serve more than 17,000 customers from seven service centers.
“We are pleased to welcome the Solve Pest Pros team members and customers in Jacksonville to the Massey Services organization,” said Tony Massey, president and CEO of Massey Services. “Solve Pest Pros has built a strong reputation for delivering comprehensive pest and termite services to a growing customer base. We look forward to continuing that commitment by providing exceptional service backed by our Total Customer Satisfaction Guarantee.”
Massey Services was founded in 1985 in Orlando, Fla. The company is one of the largest family-owned companies in the pest management industry and serves nearly 1 million customers in 10 states.
