Amazon grows presence in Washington
Amazon plans to open a nearly 1 million-sq.-ft. fulfillment center in Kent, Wash. This will be the company’s fourth fulfillment center in the state. Amazon’s other Washington fulfillment centers are located in Sumner and Bellevue, and a DuPont site is near completion.
“We’re excited to bring hundreds of great full-time jobs with benefits to Kent and proud to further invest in Washington state with this new fulfillment center,” said Mike Roth, Amazon's VP of North America operations. “We are grateful to local and state elected officials who have supported Amazon in bringing a new fulfillment center to the state of Washington.”
Amazon offers hourly employees programs like Career Choice, where the company will pre-pay up to 95% of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program's launch last summer, employees are pursuing degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology.
According to Amazon, fulfillment center jobs pay on average 30% more than traditional retail jobs. The company also offers comprehensive benefits on day one, as well as bonuses and stock awards.
“Amazon’s latest expansion of their hometown footprint, bringing so many great jobs, is extremely important to help grow and diversify the Kent Valley economy,” said Brian Bonlender, director for the Washington State Department of Commerce. “The company’s decision also highlights the numerous advantages that attract and keep world-class employers in Washington State, including a highly competitive business climate, well-educated workforce and outstanding quality of life. We are proud that Amazon continues to invest in our state and look forward to supporting their growth.”
At the facility, Amazon employees will pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and consumer goods.
IDS Real Estate Group and Clarion Partners are building the site as part of a joint venture.