Exciting News for Pender County: Amazon Fulfillment Center on the Horizon!
Residents of Pender County, get ready for some exciting changes coming your way! After years of announcements and anticipation, construction of a brand new Amazon fulfillment center is finally set to break ground by early 2025. Yes, you heard that right! This development, first announced in March 2022, has been the subject of much speculation, especially as several other Amazon centers across the country faced delays. However, the good news is that Pender County is moving forward!
What to Expect from the New Amazon Facility
The upcoming Amazon center will be part of the well-planned Pender Commerce Park, a 330-acre industrial collaboration between Pender County and Wilmington Business Development. Situated off U.S. 421 near the New Hanover County border, this park is already home to a variety of tenants, including Polyhose, Acme Smoked Fish, Empire Distributors, FedEx Freight, and Coastal Beverage. In fact, Polyhose, an industrial hose manufacturer, announced plans to double its facility there earlier this year!
With the addition of the new Amazon facility, the park is estimated to create over 1,000 jobs across five counties, bringing significant employment opportunities to the region. Greg Rios, an Amazon public relations specialist, confirmed that work is already underway. The area designated for the building has been cleared, and Wilmington Business Development CEO, Steve Satterfield, is actively collaborating with Amazon on the site. Exciting developments are indeed on the way!
Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled
Mark your calendars! New Hanover County Commissioner, Rob Zapple, recently announced that he will be attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility on February 20, 2025. While the specific timeline for construction isn’t available just yet, it’s worth noting that Amazon fulfillment centers can typically be built in as little as one year. When first announced, Wilmington Business Development shared that the facility is expected to cover a whopping 142,000 square feet!
Job Opportunities for the Community
But that’s not all, folks! The new Amazon center will significantly boost both full and part-time job offerings in the industrial park. According to Zapple, “they will need over 100 employees to operate the facility at full capacity.” This positions Amazon to rank among the top 20 employers in Pender County, which includes major companies such as Walmart, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion. It’s clear the new center will play a crucial role in the community’s economy.
Amazon’s fulfillment centers usually span up to one million square feet and can employ over 1,000 associates, providing countless opportunities for local residents. Given the size of the Pender Commerce Park facility, it is likely to function as a delivery station, preparing Amazon orders for that all-important last-mile delivery to customers. Additionally, this setup could create income opportunities through programs like Amazon Flex, allowing gig workers to make deliveries using their own vehicles. Currently, Amazon Flex is looking for drivers in seven cities across North Carolina, including Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville.
Innovations and Future Developments
Moreover, it’s fascinating to note that many of Amazon’s new facilities are incorporating cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. The company has developed robots to enhance safety and improve working conditions in their fulfillment centers. In fact, locations equipped with advanced robotics may require 30% more employees focused on maintenance and engineering roles, which showcases the potential for future job opportunities!
So, Pender County, brace yourself for some thrilling changes! As construction commences on the Amazon fulfillment center, the area is gearing up for a bright future filled with exciting job prospects and economic growth.
