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Amazon Opens New Fulfillment Center in Rhode Island

Amazon's new fulfillment center in Johnston, Rhode Island, showcases modern logistics and job growth.

News Summary

On July 1, 2025, Rhode Island celebrated the grand opening of Amazon’s new fulfillment center, PVD2, in Johnston. This $400 million facility, which has been operational since November 2024, will create over 1,500 full-time jobs and significantly boost the local economy. With 3.8 million square feet dedicated to innovative logistics, the center provides educational opportunities for employees and aims to generate $144 million in tax revenue for the town, enhancing public services and infrastructure.

Rhode Island celebrated the grand opening of Amazon’s new fulfillment center, the “PVD2,” on July 1, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighting its significance to the local economy. The $400 million facility, which has been operational since November 2024, will provide over 1,500 full-time jobs to Rhode Islanders.

Located in Johnston, R.I., the fulfillment center spans an impressive 3.8 million square feet and combines cutting-edge robotics with human expertise to efficiently fulfill customer orders. The facility’s strategic location and access to a dedicated workforce were key factors for Amazon in establishing their operations in the state. As part of an ongoing commitment to their employees, Amazon offers educational programs, allowing workers to pursue college degrees, high school diplomas, GEDs, and English language courses after just three months of employment.

Amazon forecasts that the PVD2 facility will contribute significantly to the local economy, projecting an injection of $140 million in revenue for Johnston and the state over the next 20 years. Furthermore, the fulfillment center aims to reduce logistical costs for customers by improving product accessibility while focusing on job creation rather than job displacement through technological advancement.

Johnston Mayor Joe Polisena Jr. stated that the fulfillment center is expected to generate over $144 million in new tax revenue for the town, in line with a tax stabilization agreement with Amazon. The agreement stipulates that the company will pay the town $7.2 million annually for the next two decades. This tax revenue has the potential to bolster local public services, highlighting the center’s role in supporting financial stability within the community.

The fulfillment center has a starting wage of $20.50 per hour for its employees. With an estimated annual payroll of roughly $57 million, Amazon provides an array of benefits, including full health coverage, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement account match. These offerings are part of Amazon’s broader commitment to ensuring a supportive work environment for all its staff.

The center is equipped with approximately 41 million products ranging from books and toys to electronics and daily essentials. Its operational design prioritizes sorting, packaging, and transporting goods to various distribution facilities, making it a crucial component of Amazon’s logistics network.

Moreover, over 60% of Amazon’s total sales are derived from independent sellers, who will greatly benefit from the capabilities offered by the PVD2 facility, enabling them to scale their business operations efficiently.

Amazon’s presence in Rhode Island has been a longstanding initiative, with the company investing $1 billion in the state since 2010. This investment has not only improved infrastructure but has also made a significant contribution to the overall state GDP, marking Amazon as a vital player in region-wide economic development.

In summary, the grand opening of Amazon’s PVD2 fulfillment center marks a monumental step for Johnston, R.I., with far-reaching benefits including job creation, increased tax revenue, and enhanced local infrastructure. As Rhode Island continues to navigate its economic landscape, projects like this stand to play a critical role in shaping the community’s future.