A massive Amazon robotics fulfillment center scheduled to open in December 2022 at the former Cortana Mall site will help revitalize a portion of Baton Rouge, and Entergy looks forward to doing its part by supplying clean, reliable and affordable power to the facility.
The fulfilment center will bring a $200 million capital investment to Baton Rouge and employ more than 1,000 people. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in more than 1,100 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 2,100 permanent new jobs in the Capital Region.
In addition, Entergy and its eTech program are assisting Amazon with electrification solutions, including electric vehicle charging and material handling.
“We’re a global business with local roots set firmly in the communities in which we live, work and play. From the local jobs we bring, to the local people we employ, train and upskill — our business is made up of people from the communities like Baton Rouge,” said Bri Tye, regional director of operations at Amazon. “We’re excited to be growing our operations in the capital city of Louisiana and want to thank the local community and all of the state and local leaders for their support in making this project possible.”
“Louisiana has a long and storied history as a leading state for the shipping and transport of goods,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “I am proud to welcome this new investment to Louisiana’s Capital Region, and I thank Amazon for its continued investment in our great state – the third such investment in seven months. The new jobs and opportunities created by this project will be a tremendous value to Baton Rouge and the entire state.”
“It takes a coordinated effort among partners like Louisiana Economic Development, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and the city of Baton Rouge, for example, to convince companies like Amazon that Louisiana and communities like Baton Rouge are where they should do business,” said Ed Jimenez, Entergy Louisiana vice president of business and economic development. “We’re proud to continue supporting those partners and their efforts to attract new businesses and create jobs. Amazon’s decision to invest in Louisiana once again will create opportunities for people right here at home, and that’s what economic development is all about.”
The fulfillment center is under construction at the former Cortana Mall site near the intersection of Florida Boulevard and Airline Highway, a location that provides necessary access for Amazon’s logistics operations.
In the new 820,000 square-foot fulfillment center, Amazon employees will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys.
Beyond the fulfillment center, Amazon also operates an Amazon Delivery Station in Baton Rouge along Rieger Road.
“For over a generation, Cortana Mall has made immeasurable impacts on the fabric of our community in East Baton Rouge Parish,” said Sharon Weston Broome, Baton Rouge Mayor-President. “It has served our community as a starting place for our small businesses to grow and thrive, it has employed our residents, and sparked the development of many of our neighborhoods. The area has evolved over time and we are thrilled that Amazon will invest in revitalizing and bringing life to an area that once served as the heart of our community. I am confident that Amazon will bring quality jobs and innovation in AI, logistics and operational management to our city and parish. This investment will set the foundation for a stronger future for all of Baton Rouge.”
“Amazon’s project is transformational, both for creating a thousand jobs and serving as a model of intentional economic development,” said Adam Knapp, Baton Rouge Area Chamber president and CEO. It’s been a great team effort of state and local leadership to get this project in place. The blighted Cortana Mall will be reinvented into a modern logistics hub that will catalyze investment in the Florida Boulevard corridor and beyond.”
Amazon is also building a large fulfillment center in Carencro in Lafayette Parish, with this one being one million square feet. In addition to the 500 direct jobs Amazon will create, LED estimates the project will result in more than 980 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,400 permanent new jobs in Acadiana and surrounding regions. Amazon expects the facility to open this year.
On top of Amazon’s industry-leading minimum starting wage from $15, the company offers full-time employees comprehensive benefits including full medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as a 401(k) with 50 percent match starting on day one.
