Amazon has announced plans to open its first fulfilment centre in Little Rock, Arkansas. The new fulfilment centre, which is anticipated to launch in 2021, will create over 1,000 new full-time jobs with industry leading pay and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.
The City of Little Rock’s Board of Directors gave final approval for a sale of 80 acres at the Port of Little Rock to Amazon during its meeting on April 7, 2020. The acquisition gives the company exclusive control for the development of the Zeuber Road site.
In the new 825,000 sq ft fulfilment centre, Amazon employees will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys. The site, which is anticipated to launch in 2021, will create over 1,000 new full-time jobs.
Amazon is also planning a new 85,000 sq ft delivery station which is anticipated to launch in late 2020. Delivery stations power the last mile of Amazon’s order fulfilment process. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfilment and sortation centres, and then loaded into vehicles for delivery to customers.
“Little Rock welcomes Amazon in Arkansas’ first major investment from the company and is excited to provide new economic opportunities to our residents,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “The COVID-19 public health crisis has caused deep concern among many Little Rock families as they struggle to stay afloat due to current economic uncertainty. Today’s announcement provides reassurance that Little Rock will rebound and that jobs are on the way. Additionally, Little Rock’s geographical location with river, rail, road, and air access make it ideal to expand Amazon’s distribution throughout the South.”
“Central Arkansas is quickly becoming a magnet for new economic development, this is due to continued investment in our infrastructure. I’m proud to lead a group of committed partners whose hard work has led to one of the largest companies in the world opening a new centre in Pulaski County,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Since we began planning industrial quality road and traffic infrastructure two years ago, we’ve attracted two international companies that are bringing new jobs to central Arkansas in large numbers.”
Source: Amazon
