Amazon's New Fulfillment Center in Baton Rouge Brings 1,000 Jobs and Economic Boost

After months of anticipation, Amazon's new fulfillment center at the former Cortana Mall site in Baton Rouge is now open for business. The $200 million facility, which began construction over three years ago, has already brought over 500 jobs to the area, with plans to hire an additional 500 employees to reach a total of 1,000.

Located at the intersection of Airline Highway and Florida Boulevard, the 3.4 million square foot building is one of the largest in the country and is capable of handling up to 1 million packages per day. The facility features state-of-the-art technology, including robots and conveyor systems, which will enable employees to pick, pack, and ship small customer items such as books, electronics, toys, and housewares.

Amazon's new fulfillment center is not only a significant investment in the local economy but also a major economic win for the Capital Region. According to the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), the facility's opening aligns with its strategic plan goal of diversifying the region's industry base and developing the Florida and Cortana corridors.

"The Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center is already catalyzing prosperity for Baton Rouge through the Cortana Economic Development District and the Florida Corridor Master Plan," said East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. "The fulfillment center will bring 1,000 full-time jobs, revitalizing a key area of our city. This project underscores the power of collaboration among our state and local leaders."

Amazon employees at the facility will earn starting pay of $17.50 per hour and will have access to benefits such as healthcare, dental, and paid parental leave once they start working. Those interested in applying for a job at the center can visit amazon.com/flexiblejobs and search by zip code.

The new facility is part of Amazon's ongoing expansion in Louisiana, with a second location already operational in Carencro and a third set to open in Shreveport in August. The company's commitment to creating jobs and investing in local communities is expected to have a lasting impact on the state's economy.

As the facility begins operations, nearby businesses are also benefiting from the influx of new customers. Starbucks, Family Dollar, and Planet Fitness have recently opened locations near the Amazon fulfillment center, with an Aldi store set to open before the end of the year.

The opening of Amazon's new fulfillment center in Baton Rouge marks a significant milestone for the city and region, bringing much-needed jobs and economic growth to the area. With its state-of-the-art technology and commitment to hiring local employees, Amazon is poised to make a lasting impact on the community for years to come.