Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced that Amazon had unveiled plans to open three new Alabama-based operations facilities and launch a new fulfillment center to support the state’s customers.
The three facilities will be located in Huntsville, Montgomery and Birmingham, which will create more than 900 jobs. Additionally, the internet retail giant plans to create over 500 full-time positions in the Yellowhammer State prior to the end of this calendar year, while also preparing for another 1,800 seasonal jobs.
Ivey praised Amazon’s decision to expand its Alabama footprint and pointed to the state’s workforce as being a driving factor for increased economic growth.
“Amazon’s decision to simultaneously launch and announce these projects in Alabama shows the high level of confidence the company has in the abilities of our hard-working citizens, who have shown time and time again that they can get the job done,” advised Ivey. “Companies from around the world have discovered that Alabama offers them all the ingredients of success, and this is another prime example.”
Big NEWS – @amazon plans to open three new operations facilities in Alabama while also launching a new fulfilment center! This will create 900 jobs in Montgomery, Huntsville & Birmingham. #MadeinAL #alpolitics https://t.co/UlCFhVWi6x
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 9, 2021
Brian Huseman, vice president of public policy at Amazon, expressed gratitude to local and state leadership for their embrace of the company’s expansion.
“Our success would not be possible without our great employees, and we are grateful for the enthusiasm and strong state and local support we have received since first launching operations in 2020,” Huseman said. “We look forward to continued investment as we innovate and grow to better serve our customers across the state.”
Amazon in November plans to expand the company’s delivery services in greater Birmingham. The new Birmingham Delivery Station will employ approximately 150 people and create indirect jobs for hundreds of people by way of the Delivery Service Partner program.
The internet retail company in 2022 will open its Huntsville XL Fulfillment Center, marking the third fulfillment center it will have launched in Alabama. The non-sortable facility will be established to conduct operations for the support of heavy items such as home appliances. The Limestone County site will be 1 million-square-feet and provide over 250 full-time jobs.
In 2022, Amazon will open its Montgomery Receive Center which will serve as an Inbound Cross Dock Facility. The 650,000-square-foot facility will receive and consolidate items to facilitate fulfillment center shipments and provide more than 500 full-time jobs.
Additionally, Amazon announced that the Huntsville Non-Sortable Fulfillment Center had opened for business. According to the announcement, the nearly 1 million-square-foot facility has created hundreds of full-time jobs and supports Amazon’s operational activities for larger items.
Alabama Department of Commerce secretary Greg Canfield indicated that Amazon’s presence will prove beneficial in attracting more high-tech employers to the state.
“Amazon’s presence in Alabama helps the state’s economic development team advance its goal of recruiting high-caliber projects with technology-focused jobs,” Canfield asserted. “This is a priority as we continue to work toward evolving Alabama’s economy and preparing our workers for 21st Century careers.”
The company presently holds a fulfillment center in Bessemer, delivery stations in Birmingham and a sortation center in Mobile. Amazon, by way of its footprint in the Yellowhammer State, has created more than 9,000 direct jobs and invested more than $1 billion in Alabama in infrastructure and compensation to workers.
The governor advised that positions are available at all new operations facilities for interested applicants. Individuals are encouraged to apply online by visiting Amazon’s website.
The mayors of Huntsville and Birmingham each welcomed Amazon to their respected cities and celebrated the announcement.
“The growth of Huntsville and North Alabama is a natural fit for Amazon’s fulfillment centers as the company expands its physical distribution network,” declared Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We welcome the new job opportunities and service options Amazon will bring to the region.”
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed stated, “Amazon’s major investment shows that Montgomery is on the map and an essential part of logistics solutions for major brands and industries. We’re eager to grow this partnership on behalf of the Montgomerians who will benefit from the careers that this new facility will bring.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
