Amazon Opens New Robotics Fulfillment Center in Johnston, RI

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

Amazon's new Robotics Fulfillment Center in Johnston enhancing order fulfillment capabilities.

News Summary

Amazon has opened a new Robotics Fulfillment Center in Johnston, Rhode Island, marking a $400 million investment. This 3.8 million square foot facility will employ over 1,500 workers and enhance the order fulfillment process. With a focus on efficiency and local economic impact, the center is expected to generate significant tax revenues while supporting small businesses and workforce development in the region.

Johnston, Rhode Island – Amazon has officially opened its new Robotics Fulfillment Center in Johnston, Rhode Island, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Tuesday. The fulfillment center, which represents a significant $400 million investment, spans 3.8 million square feet and is capable of holding approximately 41 million items. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to streamline the order fulfillment process, reducing the time it takes to deliver orders to customers as part of Amazon’s regionalization strategy.

More than 1,500 full-time workers have been brought on board to operate the center, with a starting wage of $20.50 per hour. According to the site leader, the facility has reached a new maturity point at the time of the opening, reflecting the complex integration of robotic and human resources in fulfilling customer orders. The center is particularly focused on efficiently handling small products, which are sorted, packed, and labeled before being shipped to various sorting facilities throughout the Northeast.

Economic Impact and Community Initiative

Local and state officials have highlighted the economic benefits that the new fulfillment center will bring to the region. It is projected to generate an average of $7.2 million annually in property taxes over the next 20 years, totaling approximately $144 million. Additionally, Amazon has committed an extra $19 million to support local priorities, including education, public safety, youth sports, and municipal needs.

The facility also aims to support small businesses transitioning into the online retail market. With over 60% of Amazon sales coming from independent sellers, local sellers in Rhode Island average more than $160,000 in annual sales, illustrating the platform’s critical role in promoting local commerce.

Job Creation and Workforce Development

The job creation from the fulfillment center emphasizes skill development for employees, rather than simply replacing jobs with automation. This approach aligns with Amazon’s broader objective of fostering a skilled workforce in the region. Governor Dan McKee underscored Amazon’s role as a valuable partner for Rhode Island, reflecting on the positive impact of such investments on local economic vitality.

Significance for Johnston Community

The project has been highly beneficial for Johnston, with Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. emphasizing its importance for the local economy. The fulfillment center is not only expected to boost job opportunities but also to reinforce local investments and support infrastructure improvements to benefit residents, such as enhanced bus routes for employees commuting to the site.

Amazon’s Broader Investments in Rhode Island

This new fulfillment center in Johnston adds to Amazon’s long-standing presence in Rhode Island, where the company has invested $1 billion since 2010 across various projects, including a delivery station and three Whole Foods Market locations. The site was previously operational as a solar farm before Amazon secured it through negotiations.

The Robots Fulfillment Center features advanced technology designed to optimize sorting and packaging processes. Robotic systems are utilized to transport inventory, enhancing efficiency and reinforcing Amazon’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to serve customers better.