News Summary
Amazon has officially launched a new robotics fulfillment center in Johnston, Rhode Island, covering 3.8 million square feet and creating over 1,500 jobs. The facility incorporates 6,000 robots designed to enhance efficiency in handling small products. With a $400 million construction cost and a significant commitment to the local economy, including a tax stabilization agreement worth $144 million over 20 years, this center marks a significant step in Amazon’s regional distribution strategy.
Johnston, Rhode Island – Amazon has inaugurated a state-of-the-art robotics fulfillment center in Johnston, fully operational as of July 1, 2025. The facility covers an impressive 3.8 million square feet and is designed to store around 41 million products, catering exclusively to items no larger than a microwave. The establishment of this fulfillment center has created over 1,500 full-time jobs for local residents, with employees managing various shifts, often lasting 10 hours.
The starting wage for employees at the new center is $20.50 per hour, amounting to an annual salary of approximately $42,640. Overall, the payroll for the facility is projected at $57 million.
The state-of-the-art center boasts an impressive array of 6,000 robots that assist staff in the picking, packing, and shipping of products to enhance operational efficiency. These robots, including the Kiva model, are integral in transporting shelves of goods to employees, who then pack them into designated boxes for shipment.
The fulfillment center is part of Amazon’s broader three-tier distribution network and specializes in handling small products. It significantly boosts Amazon’s logistical capabilities, aligning with their strategy of regionalizing distribution to improve delivery times for customers.
The construction of the facility cost about $400 million and was built on land that previously served as a solar farm. The sale of this land was negotiated with the assistance of local officials, marking a significant transition for the area.
As part of its commitment to the local economy, Amazon has entered into a tax stabilization agreement which will provide the town of Johnston with $7.2 million annually for 20 years, totaling around $144 million. Furthermore, Amazon has allocated $19 million toward community partnerships and infrastructure improvements, which include new bus stops for employees and enhancements to local roads.
Amazon’s fulfillment center not only represents a crucial economic development for Johnston but also signifies a shift towards a service-focused economy in the region. Local officials have recognized the center’s potential to enhance job availability rather than diminish it, citing the integration of robotics as a means to facilitate work rather than replace the workforce.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested approximately $1 billion in the state of Rhode Island, contributing significantly to the job market and local economy. The opening of this fulfillment center is indicative of Amazon’s ongoing commitment to growth and development in the region, reinforcing its position as a major player in the logistics and distribution sector.
Despite the advanced automation involved, Amazon representatives contend that the robotics employed at the facility will not replace jobs; rather, they enhance the employee experience by streamlining fulfillment processes. This blend of human and robotic efforts promises to optimize the order fulfillment process, making it more efficient.
The fulfillment center was opened to state officials and members of the media after being operational since November 2024, underscoring its readiness to contribute to the local economy and meet the growing demands of online shoppers.
Overall, the introduction of Amazon’s robotics fulfillment center in Johnston marks a significant milestone for the area, showcasing state-of-the-art technology and a strong commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities for the local workforce.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Journal: Amazon Distribution Facility in Johnston
- WPRI: Opening of Amazon Facility in Johnston
- Turn to 10: Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center in Johnston
- Boston Globe: Amazon Unveils Fulfillment Center in Johnston
- Wikipedia: Amazon (Company)
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
