Amazon to open fourth Virginia next-gen fulfillment center
Amazon is expanding its robotics- and AI-enabled fulfillment infrastructure in the state of Virginia.
The online giant is building its fourth robotics fulfillment center located in Virginia, on a 107-acre site in Goochland County. Amazon expects the 3.1-million-sq.ft. facility with a 650,000-sq.-ft. footprint will create more 6han 1,000 jobs.
Amazon robotics fulfillment center model features automated technology solutions in all key production areas at the site, with human employees working alongside its robotic systems seamlessly in a way that wasn’t previously possible.
[READ MORE: Amazon opens next-gen fulfillment center featuring robotics, AI]
The retailer estimates its next-generation fulfillment centers and sites with advanced robotics will require 30% more employees in reliability, maintenance and engineering roles.
Within these sites, the company says it reduced fulfillment processing times by up to 25%, enhanced shipping accuracy, and increased the number of items available for same-day and next-day delivery.
During peak delivery seasons, Amazon says it is aiming to drive a 25% improvement in its cost to serve at its next-generation facilities.
Amazon employees will pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys from the Goochland County facility. Amazon previously opened a robotics fulfillment center in Suffolk, Va. in 2022 and in Henrico County in 2024, and plans to open one in Virginia Beach later this year. The company launched RIC4 in Henrico County in 2024.
In addition to the company’s HQ2 second headquarters in Arlington, Amazon has 15 Whole Foods Markets, five Amazon Fresh stores, and three same-day delivery sites in the state.
"Virginia continues to be a great home for Amazon thanks to its robust infrastructure, talented workforce, and supportive business environment," said Amazon VP of worldwide economic development and public policy Holly Sullivan. "We’re proud to officially break ground on our fourth robotics fulfillment center in the commonwealth, furthering our substantial investment in Virginia. This new 3.1 million-square-foot fulfillment center represents our commitment to innovation and job creation right here in Virginia."
Since 2010, Amazon says it has invested more than $135 billion in Virginia, including infrastructure and compensation to employees, and has created more than 42,000 direct jobs in the state. According to Amazon, these investments support an additional 195,400 indirect jobs across the state, in fields like construction and professional services, and have contributed more than $96 billion to the Virginia GDP, on top of the company’s direct investments.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Goochland County on the project.
