Amazon Plans Peach State Expansion

By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor

Amazon employee at the company’s Tracy, Calif., fulfillment center

Atlanta—Amazon.com is developing a 600,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Braselton, Ga., which will create more than 500 new full-time jobs at the facility.

“There are a lot of contributing factors that go into our thought process as we decide where to place a new fulfillment center,” an Amazon spokesperson told Commercial Property Executive. “Most importantly, we want to make sure a fulfillment center is placed as close to the customer as possible to ensure we can offer a great Prime service and fast shipping speeds to customers.”

According to Colliers International’s most recent Atlanta market report, the industrial market began the year in positive territory, absorbing 3.4 million square feet of space during the past three months and the overall market is expected to continue being strong thanks to an improved economic outlook.

“We are excited to expand in the state of Georgia and add a new fulfillment center to better serve our customers in the region,” Akash Chauhan, vice president of Amazon’s North America Operations, said in a prepared release. “This facility will create hundreds of new jobs with competitive pay and great benefits starting on day one. From the local community to state leadership, we appreciate the tremendous support from elected officials for this project and we look forward to growing in the Peach State.”

Amazon is no stranger to Georgia. The commerce giant already has more than 1,500 full-time employees at its existing facilities around the state. The new facility will be used to pick, pack and ship large items for customers like household décor items, sporting equipment and gardening tools.

“Working with one of the world’s most recognizable global brands to grow their presence in Georgia is very exciting,” Chris Carr, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner, said in the release. “We are grateful Amazon made the decision to locate a fulfillment center in Jackson County, and we look forward to working with them as they continue to impact the world from their Georgia operations.”