Friday, e-commerce retailer Amazon announced their intent to build a $325 million, 855,000-square-foot, four-story, advanced robotic fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama on 133 acres being purchased from U.S. Steel.
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) praised the decision.
“Amazon’s decision to build a new fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, is evidence of our state’s excellent workforce,” said Senator Shelby. “This project gives us the opportunity to partner with one of the most successful, widely recognized companies in the world to promote economic growth and development throughout Alabama. I am proud to be a part of this great announcement and am thrilled to welcome Amazon to the greater Birmingham area.”
The $325 million fulfillment center in Bessemer is expected to bring at least 1,500 jobs to the area. Amazon’s employees at the center are expected to receive full benefits and an average wage of $14.65 an hour. The site is adjacent to Powder Plant Road near Bessemer City High School and Alabama Splash Adventure.
“Amazon is one of the world’s most dynamic companies, and we couldn’t be more proud to see the company select Alabama for one of its high-tech fulfillment centers,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “This facility represents good jobs for our citizens and the beginning of a long partnership that I believe will see Amazon expand and grow in Alabama in the future.”
“We are thrilled to bring our first fulfillment center to the state of Alabama, creating 1,500 full-time jobs,” said Mark Stewart, Amazon’s vice president of North America customer fulfillment. “Alabama has a talented workforce and we look forward to making a positive economic impact in a state where we are committed to providing great job opportunities and an exceptional customer experience.”
Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley said, “Amazon is bringing jobs and opportunity to our residents and students. I am particularly proud of the educational incentives Amazon will offer our young people: get your high school diploma, work one year and receive $3,000 the next four years toward furthering your education.”
Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington (R) said, “Whenever a company of Amazon’s panache enters a community, things improve. Not only does Amazon bring the Birmingham metro area a minimum of 1,500 good-paying jobs with full benefits, it also provides its employees a post high school education pathway with its tuition assistance program.”
“Amazon’s new fulfillment center in Bessemer will create a large number of high-quality jobs and feature cutting-edge automation and technological innovation,” Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said. “We’ve made recruiting technology-focused jobs a priority, and Amazon’s presence in the state will help us advance toward our goal.”
