Amazon to open first fulfillment center in Louisiana

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Dec 23, 2020

American e-commerce giant Amazon announced on Tuesday plans to open its first fulfillment center in the state of Louisiana in Carencro. 

At the one million square-foot fulfillment center, Amazon associates will pick, pack, and ship bulky or larger-sized customer items such as patio furniture, outdoor equipment, or rugs.

Set to open in 2021, the fulfillment center is expected to create over 500 new, full-time jobs. Employees will be offered a minimum wage of $15 per-hour, while full-time employees will be offered comprehensive benefits including full medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as a 401(k) with 50 percent match starting on day one. 

“We are thrilled to be opening our first fulfillment center in the great state of Louisiana,” said Amazon VP of global customer fulfillment Alicia Boler Davis in a news release.

“We are grateful for the strong support we’ve received from local and state leaders as we expand our footprint in Louisiana,” she added. “Every day at Amazon, incredible employees come together to deliver magical experiences for customers and we look forward to creating over 500 new, full-time jobs for the local community, with industry-leading pay and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”

Between 2010 to 2019, Amazon has invested more than $250 million in Louisiana, including infrastructure and compensation to employees in the state. According to the company, these investments contributed more than $220 million into the state’s economy during this period.

“Carencro is extremely honored and equally blessed to have been chosen for Amazon’s first Louisiana-based fulfillment center. The economic impact of this facility cannot be overstated in terms of capital investment, job creation with respectable wages and benefits, and the increased interest in residential housing development,” said Carencro City Mayor, Glenn Brasseaux. 

Amazon currently operates three delivery stations and seven Whole Foods Market locations in Louisiana. Likewise, there are more than 14,500 independent authors and small and medium-sized businesses in the state growing their businesses and reaching new customers with Amazon.

Amazon currently operates over 110 fulfillment centers in the U.S. and more than 185 worldwide.

Most recently, it announced that it will open its first South Dakota fulfillment center in Sioux Falls in 2022. Earlier this month, Amazon also announced a fulfillment center in Missouri City, Texas, marking its first fulfilment centre in the city.