Even as Amazon expands in new geographies including Australia and the Middle East, it hasn’t stopped expanding its logistics capabilities in existing markets. This week the company announced plans to open a new fulfillment center in Canada.
The 1-million square foot customer fulfillment facility is Amazon’s fifth in Ontario, adding to existing centers in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton. It also marks its eighth fulfillment center in Canada.
The new FC will be used to fulfill large items such as household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. The company noted that it employs more than 6,000 employees throughout Canada working at corporate offices, development centers, and other facilities.
Press release follows:
Amazon announced plans for a new fulfillment centre in Ottawa, Ontario’s eastern suburb of Orléans. The 1-million square foot customer fulfillment facility is Amazon’s fifth in Ontario, creating more than 600 full-time jobs with benefits starting on day one. Amazon currently employs more than 2,000 full-time associates at its existing Ontario facilities in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton.
“Ontario continues to be a great place for Amazon to do business and we look forward to adding a fulfillment centre in the National Capital Region,” said Glenn Sommerville, Director of Amazon Operations in Canada. “Our ability to expand in Ontario and create more than 600 new jobs is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce. Amazon is committed to providing great opportunities for employment and creating a positive economic impact for the region.”
The new facility will join Amazon’s network of current fulfillment centres located in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Associates at this facility will pick, pack, and ship large items like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. In total, Amazon employs more than 6,000 employees throughout Canada working at corporate offices, development centres, and other facilities.
“We applaud Amazon for making this investment and, we look forward to doing our part to help other top employers create and protect good jobs in our province. Ontario is open for business,” said Ontario Premier, Doug Ford.
Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages, medical, vision and dental coverage, a group RRSP, stock awards, and performance-based bonuses starting on day one.
“After working closely with Amazon to grow its presence in our city, I’m very pleased they have chosen Ottawa to establish its new fulfillment centre,” said Ottawa Mayor, Jim Watson.” This is a critical investment in our local economy and our community, which will provide significant employment opportunities for Ottawa residents.”
Amazon is committed to supporting veterans as they transition from military life to civilian life, both within the company and the community. Amazon has a team of veterans devoted to military recruitment and offers its veteran employees access to mentoring and career support to help them develop their skills into long-term careers at Amazon.
“I would like to thank Amazon and all of the government officials involved for making this project happen. Our government is focused on creating long-term economic growth and a stronger middle class, giving Canadians the support they need to find and keep good well-paying jobs. Bringing jobs to Orléans has always been my first priority and I am thrilled that Amazon has chosen our community to expand its Ontario operations. It is a great day for Orléans and indeed all of Ottawa,” said Member of Parliament for Orléans, Andrew Leslie.
“I am very excited about all that is in store for the future of Orléans and Ottawa. The potential of our community is amazing, and that is made even more evident by Amazon choosing Orléans as the location for its new fulfillment centre. This is a project that will employ more than 600 people, bringing good jobs and more opportunity to the east end,” said Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Provincial Parliament for Orléans.
Amazon also offers employees access to innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay up to 95 per cent 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, more than 16,000 employees across the globe have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, to name a few.
“Amazon’s investment will be a major economic driver for our city’s east end,” said Ottawa City Councillor for Cumberland, Stephen Blais.” This exciting project will create more than 1,500 construction jobs, and will permanently employ more than 600 full-time workers in our community, supporting the growth of rural east Ottawa and all surrounding communities.”
The project is being developed by Broccolini.
SOURCE: Amazon Canada Press Release
