Knoxville Welcomes New Amazon Warehouse Just in Time for the Holidays
The city of Knoxville is preparing for the opening of a new Amazon warehouse that promises to boost the local economy and provide numerous job opportunities. Located at the former site of the East Towne Mall, this facility is set to open before the holiday season, marking an important milestone for both the company and the community.
A Long-Awaited Opening
Construction of the Amazon warehouse began three years ago but faced several delays along the way. Despite these setbacks, the opening is finally around the corner, and excitement is building. According to Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly, “We can confirm that the plan is for our Knoxville delivery station to be fully operational in time for the holidays this year.”
Job Opportunities on the Horizon
As part of the plans for the new facility, Amazon will be hiring numerous employees. The company is expected to create hundreds of full-time and part-time jobs, with wages starting at a minimum of $15 per hour. Employees will also be offered various benefits packages. Kelly stated that details regarding the hiring process will be announced soon. Those interested in working at Amazon can text TYSNOW to 77088 for updates or visit the Amazon job website.
The Role of the New Facility
The Knoxville delivery station will cover an area of 219,000 square feet and is designed to enhance Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities. This means it will serve as the final stop for packages before they reach customers in the Tennessee Valley. The facility will also be equipped to accommodate Amazon’s electric delivery vehicles, aligning with the company’s goal of having over 15,000 electric vehicles in operation across the U.S.
Community Engagement and Support
The development of the Knoxville warehouse is the result of collaborative efforts between Hillwood Enterprises, the warehouse project developer, and local stakeholders. Hillwood began discussions with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce back in May 2020. As part of the approval process, the developers worked closely with the Knoxville City Council to secure land rezoning for industrial use, facilitating the project’s progress. To address initial concerns from residents and officials, Hillwood representatives revised their plans, reducing the size of the proposed campus and cutting down the number of truck docks while ensuring compliance with noise and light regulations.
Looking Ahead
With the holiday season fast approaching, the timing of the warehouse’s opening could not be better for the Knoxville community. Not only will it create jobs, but its operational focus on efficient last-mile deliveries will also enhance customer experience for those ordering products through Amazon. As new signs appear around the site, residents can feel the anticipation building.
The Knoxville area is becoming an increasingly attractive place for companies like Amazon to operate, thanks in part to its supportive community and strategic location. As the opening date draws near, many are hopeful that the new warehouse will significantly impact both employment and delivery efficiency in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as details about job announcements and the official opening date become available. This addition to Knoxville’s landscape not only represents growth for Amazon but also signifies broader economic opportunities for the community.
