Amazon to Open Pair of Facilities in Virginia Beach
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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced Amazon.com Inc. will build a multistory robotics fulfillment center and a “last mile” delivery station, creating more than 1,000 full-time jobs in Virginia Beach.
“Amazon’s cutting-edge fulfillment centers generate major capital investment and thousands of jobs and strengthen Virginia’s position as a logistics industry leader on the East Coast,” Youngkin said Sept. 25. “We see Amazon’s expanding footprint impacting economic growth and innovation across the commonwealth, and we will continue to compete for additional investment in Virginia.”
The delivery station is expected to launch in 2024 in time for the holiday season, and the 650,000-square-foot robotics fulfillment center will be ready for business in 2025. At Amazon’s robotics fulfillment centers, robots work alongside humans to fulfill orders. Associates will pick, pack and ship small items (books, electronics and toys) from that facility.
Amazon ranks No. 9 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America.
Youngkin
“Virginia is a great state for business and gives us the opportunity to better serve our customers in the region,” said Holly Sullivan, Amazon’s vice president of worldwide economic development. “We are excited for our future in the commonwealth and for what this means for our customers as we continue to grow. We’d also like to thank Governor Youngkin, local, and state leaders for their continued strong support in making another jobs announcement in Virginia possible.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the city of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project. The city will pay for stormwater and road improvements between Dam Neck Road and London Bridge Road to provide access to the facilities. Dominion Energy will provide power.
Dyer
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said that city leaders, stakeholders and partners “are thrilled Amazon is making such a significant investment in Virginia Beach,” which he called an ideal place for Amazon because of its strategic proximity to the Port of Virginia, transportation access and an available workforce.
“Virginia’s strengths in the supply chain sector are demonstrated by the ongoing expansion of Amazon fulfillment centers in the commonwealth since 2006,” said Caren Merrick, state commerce and trade secretary. “The company’s growth in Virginia is a testament to the power of our workforce and strong business climate.”
The new Virginia Beach facilities will become Amazon’s 14th fulfillment/sortation center and 17th delivery station in the state. The company launched its first Virginia fulfillment center in 2006 in Sterling.
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Later this fall, an Amazon robotics fulfillment center in Henrico County is expected to start operations after being announced in 2021. In addition to its Arlington headquarters, Amazon has 15 Whole Foods Markets and five Amazon Fresh stores in the state plus three Prime Now Hubs in Virginia Beach, Richmond and Springfield.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $109 billion in Virginia, including infrastructure and compensation to employees, while creating 36,000 direct jobs in the state. Its investments support 200,000 indirect jobs (such as construction and professional services) across the state and have contributed more than $72 billion to the Virginia gross domestic product, according to the governor’s office.
State Sen. Bill DeSteph noted, “Amazon has been a valued member of the community for years, and I am grateful for their continued investment in our region. The new robotics fulfillment center and new delivery facility represent a significant expansion of Amazon’s operations in Virginia Beach, which will positively impact the area for years to come in creating new job opportunities and economic development.”
Barry Knight, a state delegate, lifelong resident of Virginia Beach and former longhaul trucker, said Amazon’s new facilities will bring capital investment and 1,100 new jobs “that create a multiplier effect” to enhance the local economy.
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