Amazon's new 620,000-square-foot facility in Johnston County, North Carolina, is set to bring over 1,000 jobs to the area, which could be a significant economic boost for the region.
The facility, inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Amazon officials and local leaders on Tuesday, is part of Amazon's continued expansion efforts to meet growing consumer demands, WRAL News reported.
Amazon's New Facility May Boost Johnson County's Economy
The facility, described as an "inbound cross dock," plays a crucial role in Amazon's supply chain operations.
This process involves receiving inventory from small and medium-sized sellers worldwide, which is then prepared for online sale through Amazon's platform.
Eric Arnold, general manager of the Amazon warehouse in Smithfield, highlighted in his interview with WRAL News the significance of the facility's operations.
He mentioned the combination of automation, robots, and human employees working together to sort and package items efficiently.
Once fully operational, the facility is expected to process over 1 million items daily, with peak seasons reaching up to 2.5 million items per day.
The economic impact of this expansion is substantial, with the facility expected to employ up to a thousand of individuals.
These jobs start at a competitive wage of $17 per hour, providing employment opportunities and financial stability for the local workforce.
Community Partnership, Government Incentives in North Carolina
Local leaders, including Mayor Andy Moore and Governor Roy Cooper, expressed enthusiasm about Amazon's investment in the area.
Mayor Moore praised Amazon as a great partner and emphasized the positive relationship between the company and the community.
Governor Cooper, meanwhile, emphasized North Carolina's skilled workforce as a key factor attracting companies like Amazon, citing the state's diverse manufacturing capabilities.
Amazon's investment in the facility was incentivized through tax grants over a 7-year period, requiring a substantial $100 million investment from the company. These incentives aim to encourage job creation and economic growth in the region.
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