Amazon officially opens massive distribution and warehouse facility in Republic
Hundreds of workers clocked in Monday as the highly-anticipated Amazon fulfillment center in Republic opened its doors.
At the facility, which is named STL3, workers will pick, pack and ship big items like patio furniture, outdoor equipment and rugs, according to a news release from Amazon — the world's largest online retailer.
Workers paused for a photo op Monday with "STL3" spelled out in big letters. A Republic Fire Department truck added to the fanfare.
Republic Mayor Matt Russell said Amazon coming to Republic is “not the end of the sentence, it’s the beginning of the sentence” because of all the additional benefits that he expects will follow for the Republic community.
“We are excited about the opportunity,” Russell said. “They have been great to work with so far. We look forward to a great future of continued mutual success.”
Many community leaders see the opening of the Amazon facility as the next step in the explosive growth of Republic, which has seen the population of the city nearly triple in the last 30 years.
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Other big employers like Convoy of Hope and CoxHealth have also announced projects in Republic.
According to Amazon, the facility in Republic will employ more than 200 people, with a starting salary of $15.50 an hour with benefits.
Amazon's 1.3 million-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility in Republic is located in the city's Garton Business Park on Route MM at Sawyer Road.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Amazon officially opens massive facility in Republic, Missouri
