Seattle-based online retailer Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) plans to open a second massive distribution hub in Coppell — making it the eighth planned facility of its kind in the Lone Star state — that will employ hundreds of full-time workers, writes Candace Carlisle.
In the past three years, Amazon has employed more than 10,000 full-time hourly associates in Texas within five current distribution facilities, which sit in Coppell, Haslet, Dallas, Fort Worth and Schertz.
The retailer also plans to open two additional facilities in San Marcos and Houston upon completion of construction.
Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt said the city is thrilled to be selected for a second Amazon.com fulfillment center, in which employees will pick, pack and ship larger customer items, such as patio furniture, large televisions and kayaks.
“Adding hundreds of new, full-time jobs to the more than 1,000 they already provide is a demonstration of their commitment to the city,” said Hunt, in a statement. “Not only has their presence been a significant economic driver for our community, they have been a consistent and reliable community partner.”
The further expansion in Texas highlights the incredible customers and outstanding workforce within the state, said Akash Chauhan, vice president of North American operations for Amazon. He added that Amazon is excited to continue growing the team in Texas.
The details of the new facility, such as an address and if this would be a new or existing facility, were not immediately known late Thursday. In the past, Amazon.com has constructed the facilities from the ground up or gone into new development that was constructed on a speculative basis.
Company officials say the median pay inside an Amazon.com fulfillment center is 30 percent higher than that of traditional retail store employees, which doesn’t include stock grants for full-time employees with the company for five years. Those stock grants add an average of 9 percent to the annual base salary.
