Walmart is planning to invest more than $330 million to modernize it’s regional distribution center in Opelousas. The State of Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package, including a $10 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier says the project shows that Walmart is committed to the location long-term.
“It’s a big win for the state of Louisiana as well. So, you know, like I said, we’re just grateful a lot of people came together to get this done,” Rodier said.
Rodier says the modernization of the distribution center in Opelousas will double Walmart’s shipping capacity.
“Making sure that that facility has the retrofit that it needs to stay as competitive as it possibly needs to be. Whether that’s in a store network or whether that’s online or however they plan to use that. That’s a big deal,” Rodier said.
The modernization of the Opelousas distribution center also means that Walmart is expected to retain over a thousand jobs in the parish. Rodier says it’s a big win for one of the largest employers in St. Landry.
“Getting that project done and helping to solidify their long-term day at that 1.3 million square foot facility. We couldn’t be happier,” Rodier said.