Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced plans to open its first fulfillment center in Fresno, California.
The 855,000-square-foot fulfillment center will be used to process smaller-sized items such as books, electronic devices and children’s toys, the online retailer said in an emailed statement to Market Exclusive.
It will be the company’s fifth fulfillment center in California’s Central Valley. Amazon operates three fulfillment centers located in Tracy and Patterson, and a fourth facility is being constructed in Sacramento.
“We are very excited to expand our network into Fresno and throughout the San Joaquin Valley as a region,” stated Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s vice president of North American Operations.
“There are several factors we consider when deciding on where to place a new fulfillment center. Most importantly, we look to see where we can improve Prime benefits with faster shipping speeds for customers and where there is a dedicated workforce that can raise the bar of our operational excellence. We know we’ll find talent in abundance in Fresno to join the Amazon team,” Chauhan added.
Amazon in California
In California, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) operates fulfillment facilities in San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Eastvale and Newark.
The online retailer says that more than 460,000 authors, sellers, and developers in California use its e-commerce platform to grow their businesses.
Panorea Avdis, director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, said that “Amazon has become one of the fastest-growing and largest employers in the Central Valley in just five years, providing thousands of Californians with good-paying jobs.”
“Thanks in part to a partnership with the state, Amazon continues to be a strong driver of job creation and positive economic impact, and we are thrilled to see them expand into Fresno and the lower Central Valley,” Avdis added.
Meanwhile, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced plans to open a new fulfillment center in Jefferson, Georgia. The new 850,000 square-foot fulfillment center will be used to pick, pack and ship large items like household furniture, sporting equipment, and gardening tools, the online retailer said.
Shares of Amazon closed up 1.08% on Friday. The stock is up more than 34% so far this year.