Amazon.com to open two fulfillment centers in Va.

RICHMOND, Va. — Amazon.com announced that it plans to open two fulfillment centers in Virginia, investing a total of $135 million. The company said it will invest $85 million and create more than 1,000 jobs in Chesterfield County, and invest $50 million in Dinwiddie County, creating more than 350 jobs.

“We look forward to opening two new Amazon facilities in the Richmond area next year, bringing tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of new jobs to the state,” said Dave Clark, VP Amazon North American Operations. “We’re grateful to Governor McDonnell and other state, county and local officials for their commitment to our investment in Virginia.”

According to an Amazon.com press release, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County, Dinwiddie County, the Greater Richmond Partnership, and Virginia’s Gateway Region to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Bob McDonnell approved a total of $3.5 million in grants from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist both Chesterfield County and Dinwiddie County with the project.

Other incentives for bringing Amazon.com to Virginia included the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approving $850,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the Dinwiddie County project. The company is also eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This project that includes a $135 million investment and more than 1,350 new jobs is a tremendous win for the greater Richmond region. Amazon is known all over the world, and the new centers in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties will fulfill orders across the United States. The establishment of these new operations is testament to the positive business climate and success the company has experienced in the Commonwealth.”