Amazon announced on Thursday its intention to open a new UK fulfilment centre as part of its plan to create 2,500 permanent British jobs by 2020.
The new 1m sq. ft. facility will be located in Coalville, Leicestershire, and will create 500 new jobs over three years. As part of a general recruitment drive Amazon will also be making new hires at its head office, research and development centres, customer service centres and other UK facilities.
“We are excited to create 500 new permanent jobs over three years in Leicestershire with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one,” said John Tagawa, Vice President of UK Operations at Amazon. “Amazon has a dedicated and enthusiastic workforce who play a crucial role in delivering a first rate level of service for our customers and we look forward to recruiting people from Leicestershire and surrounding area.
Expansion is a big part of the Amazon agenda: rumours are circulating about plans to begin an official Amazon clothing range, and the company is steadily increasing the number of cities where customers can use Prime Now. After an immensely successful Black Friday and holiday sales period, Amazon announced in January that its annual sales had surpassed $100bn for the first time.
“I welcome Amazon‘s investment in North West Leicestershire along with its potential for 500 jobs,” said MP for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen. “North West Leicestershire continues to be an area good for business and long-term investment and we are currently enjoying one of the highest economic growth rates outside London and the South East. I am pleased that such a reputable company has the confidence in the area not only given its strategic location but also for the recruitment of a wide ranging work force.”
The new fulfilment centre is scheduled to open this autumn.
