“Young people are just waiting for this”: 1,000 permanent contracts to be filled in Eure-et-Loir for the opening of the giant Amazon in September

The American giant does not do things by halves. The establishment of Illiers-Combray (Eure-et-Loir) announced on May 5 is part of a colossal investment plan of 15 billion euros over three years in France, announced with great fanfare last year during the Choose France summit under the aegis of the Élysée. This commitment is the company’s most important in France for 25 years.

From mid-June, a massive recruitment campaign will be launched in partnership with France Travail. The objective: to fill 1,000 permanent positions. Fabrice Gaussens, departmental director of France Travail Eure-et-Loir, underlines the importance of the system: “We are fully mobilized to identify, prepare and support candidates in the region, ensuring that these opportunities primarily benefit those furthest from employment. »

No diploma requirement

Recruitment will be done without qualification requirements, focusing on the potential of the candidates. A boon for local youth, like Kyle Bataille. Already an order picker for Amazon in Melun in Seine-et-Marne, he hopes to return to work on his land: “The young people around me are just waiting for that. Amazon will transform the area, it is also thanks to them that McDonald’s is arriving, with more jobs to come. »

Amazon is banking on financial arguments to attract its future employees. The entry salary for logistics agents is set at more than 2,000 euros gross per month. After two years on a permanent contract, this remuneration rises to more than 2,500 euros gross, including a 13th month and an annual bonus, or around 40% above the minimum wage.

Beyond the pay slip, the American giant highlights a social and training component that it describes as ambitious to support its future employees in Eure-et-Loir. In terms of social benefits, the company notably offers an additional month of paid leave offered to all new parents, as well as a participation system and various bonus mechanisms.

In terms of professional development, Amazon plans to invest 50 million euros by 2030 in the training of its 25,000 employees in France to enable them to develop their skills and obtain diplomas recognized by the State.

A calm but vigilant mayor

For Olivier Bariéty, mayor of Illiers-Combray, this establishment validates the territorial strategy: “Welcoming a project of this scale is proof that our rural territories have their place in the economy of tomorrow. »

While he works “hand in hand” with the American giant, the councilor keeps an eye on the local balance: 80 new housing units are planned within two years to accommodate future employees, particularly in management and maintenance. The mayor also ensures the tranquility of the hamlet of Prétouville, which adjoins the activity zone, ensuring that he has an “eye” on landscape integration to avoid any tension.

Patrick Labarre, President of Amazon France Logistique, recalls the special link between the brand and the region: “It is here, in Saran, in Loiret, that it all started in 2007. With Illiers-Combray, we will create 1,000 new quality jobs and get closer to our customers for faster deliveries and fewer emissions. »

The Illiers-Combray site is only one piece of the puzzle. In 2026, other centers will open in Colombier-Saugnieu (Rhône) and Beauvais (Oise), followed in 2027 by a giant site in Ensisheim (Haut-Rhin) which will create 2,000 additional jobs.

In the town center of Illiers-Combray, if traders like the grocer or the manager of the “Café de la Place” are still waiting to see the first concrete effects on their customers, the economic shock wave seems to be coming.