Gaston County’s Amazon Facility Shifts Focus, No Longer Up for Sublease
Hey there, Gaston County! Big news is buzzing around town regarding Amazon’s massive industrial building located at 525 Scalybark Road in Gastonia. Earlier this year, the e-commerce giant told us it was on the hunt for a new tenant to take over its impressive 286,272-square-foot facility at Gateway85. But hold your horses! Just this week, Amazon has confirmed that those plans are off the table.
What’s Happening at Gateway85?
So, what has changed? Well, it turns out that this expansive facility is no longer seeking a sublease. Instead, according to a spokesperson from Amazon, the building is now functioning primarily as an equipment hub to support the company’s operations across the country. While the details on their long-term plans for the facility are still a bit murky, it’s clear that this spot is essential for Amazon’s logistics and operational framework.
Features of the Facility
The Gateway85 facility is no small potatoes; it’s packed with features that make it quite an asset for Amazon. Imagine this: 36-foot clear heights and 28 dock-high doors designed for smooth shipping and receiving processes. Plus, there’s ample parking, with 266 car spaces and 62 trailer parking spots available, which should keep things running efficiently. Not to forget, a 210-foot truck court ensures that truck movement is a breeze!
Future Hiring Plans?
Looking back to 2022, Amazon had grand plans for this place, with announcements about aiming to hire over 300 people to work at this facility. As of now, however, specific updates regarding hiring or other operational objectives have not been communicated. It leaves us curious about what lies ahead for the Amazon team in Gaston County!
Amazon’s Expanding Local Footprint
But wait, there’s more! Despite pulling back on the sublease plans for this particular building, Amazon hasn’t hit the brakes on its growth in the Charlotte area. Earlier this year, they confirmed leasing a 198,400-square-foot building at 85 Exchange in Kannapolis, demonstrating their continued commitment to expanding their local presence.
In fact, Amazon’s local operations already encompass over 1 million square feet in facilities across Pineville and Kannapolis, including the CLT4 robotics fulfillment center that spans an impressive 855,000 square feet near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. They have also set up several delivery and sorting centers in the region, bolstering their logistics capabilities significantly.
What’s Next for Gaston County?
As we watch Amazon continue to evolve its operations in Gaston County, it’s clear that they have no intentions of slowing down. Their equipment hub at Gateway85 adds another cog to an already impressive machine capable of service and delivery across the nation. While we don’t have all the answers just yet regarding future hiring or expanded functions at the facility, one thing’s for sure: Amazon is making its mark and likely contributing to local job creation down the road.
For those keeping track, it’s an exciting time to be in Gaston County as we witness the growth and transformation of our industrial landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as Amazon and other players in the area continue to shape our economy!
