More expansion news from Amazon. It has announced plans to open its first Amazon fulfilment centre (FC) in Tucson, creating more than 1,500 full-time jobs with what it describes as competitive hourly wage and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and stock options.
It’s not their first Arizona FC. Amazon already employs more than 7,000 full-time associates at its four existing Arizona fulfilment centres and other facilities in the state.
Since we first broke ground in Arizona over 10 years ago, we have found a network of support from community leaders to statewide officials, a dedicated workforce and fantastic customers. We’re excited to open a new, state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Tucson and to continue innovating in a state committed to providing great opportunities for jobs and customer experience.
– Mark Stewart, Vice President of Amazon’s North America Operations
Since 2007, Amazon say it has invested billions of dollars in its local fulfilment centre infrastructure and through compensation to thousands of employees in the Grand Canyon State. Between 2011 and 2016, Amazon’s investments in the state contributed an additional $900 million into Arizona’s economy, and using methodology developed by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Amazon estimates its investments in the state have created an additional 18,000 indirect jobs on top of the company’s direct hires.
It’s interesting with its announcement of each new Amazon fulfilment centre across the world (and they are numerous) that Amazon is consistently stressing two things. Firstly, doubtless a response to criticism of staff conditions and tough targets, they always cite the decent pay and conditions that even warehouse Amazonians receive in compensation. And, to be fair, the terms do seem entirely reasonable if not generous.
And Amazon secondly emphasises the benefit it gives to the local economy, not just from extra jobs, but also the indirect additional employment its presence offers. This is perhaps a response to the criticism that Amazon is damaging to local economy jobs and traditional businesses.
