Walmart Will Invest $330M in Acadiana Distribution Center
OPELOUSAS, La (press release) – Louisiana Economic Development announced that Walmart plans to invest more than $330 million to modernize its regional distribution center in Opelousas.
The company is expected to retain its workforce and transition roles toward higher-skilled positions in automation, robotics and advanced technology. Walmart has more than 37,400 associates in Louisiana, including over 1,900 working in its distribution centers.
Once complete, the Opelousas facility will be able to ship nearly twice the number of cases as a traditional distribution center, strengthening supply chain efficiency for Walmart stores throughout the region.
“Louisiana and Opelousas have been great partners for nearly 25 years,” said Senior Vice President of Walmart Supply Chain Mike Gray. “By adding robotics and automation, we’re transforming how we serve our stores and customers. This investment allows us to grow alongside the community while creating new opportunities for career growth for our associates.”
The phased, multi-year project builds on nearly 25 years of operations in St. Landry Parish and is part of Walmart’s nationwide initiative to upgrade all 42 of its regional distribution centers. Louisiana’s central Gulf South location, strong workforce and competitive incentive programs positioned the state as a natural choice for the significant reinvestment.
“Walmart’s modernization of its Opelousas distribution center is a powerful example of Louisiana’s strategy moving from plans to progress,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “Logistics is a newly designated key industry in our statewide strategic plan, and this investment strengthens one of the state’s most important distribution hubs while protecting and advancing Louisiana’s workforce. By integrating advanced technology, supporting long-term job stability and creating opportunities for employees to grow alongside innovation, Walmart is demonstrating the kind of responsible growth that defines Louisiana’s momentum today.”
“Walmart’s decision to reinvest in St. Landry Parish reflects both their confidence in this community and their long-term commitment to Louisiana,” said St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier. “As an anchor employer for St. Landry Parish, the Acadiana Region and central Louisiana, we are grateful that Walmart continues to strengthen the economic foundation that supports jobs, opportunity and growth across our region and parish.”
To support the project, the state of Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package, including a $10 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. The project also reflects close collaboration among state, regional and local economic development partners.
“Walmart’s investment of more than $330 million underscores the confidence global leaders have in Acadiana’s potential,” said One Acadiana President & CEO Troy Wayman. “The modernization of the Opelousas Distribution Center builds upon the innovation happening throughout our region, while positioning us for continued growth and competitiveness. We extend our congratulations to our economic development partners in St. Landry Parish on this exciting investment.”
