Knoxville Welcomes New Amazon Warehouse Ahead of Holidays
Knoxville, Tennessee is gearing up for the opening of a brand new Amazon warehouse, scheduled to be fully operational just in time for the bustling holiday season. This facility, located at the former East Towne Mall site, marks a significant addition to Amazon’s presence in East Tennessee and is set to create numerous job opportunities for the local community.
A Look at the New Facility
The Amazon distribution center covers a substantial area of 219,000 square feet. Its primary role is to enhance Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities, which refers to the final leg of delivering packages to customers. As shoppers increasingly turn to online retail, having a local distribution center will help speed up delivery times for those in the Tennessee Valley, making the shopping experience smoother and more efficient.
Steve Kelly, an Amazon spokesperson, emphasized the company’s enthusiasm about the new location, stating, “The Knoxville area is a great place to live and work, and we’re grateful to play a growing role in the community.” With new signs appearing around the site, locals can see that preparations for the launch are in full swing.
Job Opportunities on the Horizon
As the opening date approaches, excitement is also building for potential job seekers. Kelly confirmed that hiring for the new facility will start soon, promising hundreds of new full-time and part-time jobs. These positions will pay a minimum of $15 per hour and will come alongside a variety of benefits packages.
Individuals looking for employment with Amazon are encouraged to stay updated by texting TYSNOW to 77088 for job alerts or by visiting the Amazon jobs website for listings. The announcement of new job openings is expected to spur interest in the community, especially as the holidays approach.
Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to boosting local employment, this new facility will also accommodate Amazon’s electric delivery vehicles. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the company plans to deploy 10,000 electric vehicles by the end of 2022. Currently, Amazon operates more than 15,000 electric vehicles across the United States, demonstrating their dedication to reducing their environmental impact.
A Collaborative Effort
Developed by Hillwood Enterprises, discussions to bring this warehouse to Knoxville began back in May 2020. To facilitate the project’s approval, adjustments were made that minimized the initial plans to include two large buildings, one measuring 110,000 square feet and the other 280,000 square feet. The final design also reduced the number of truck docks and ensured compliance with local noise and light regulations, addressing residents’ concerns.
Knoxville City Council approved necessary land rezoning to allow for the project’s progression, showcasing the city’s support in welcoming this new addition to the local economy.
Looking Ahead
As Amazon gears up for the launch of its new Knoxville warehouse, the anticipation in the community is palpable. With job opportunities on the horizon and faster delivery services soon to be available, residents can look forward to a more efficient shopping experience this holiday season.
The new Amazon facility represents not only an economic boost for Knoxville but also an opportunity for many to find new jobs and contribute to a growing local economy. With the holidays approaching, the timing couldn’t be better for both the company and the community.
