Amazon opens new fulfillment center in Canton
CANTON − The city's new Amazon fulfillment center has opened.
The 1 million-square-foot center, designated as "AKR1" at 4747 Rebar Ave. NE, began processing and delivering orders Sunday. About 1,000 people will be employed to ship bulky or large items, such as patio furniture and rugs.
"We’re excited to officially launch our next-generation Amazon non-sortable fulfillment center, and we’re thrilled to create great local jobs in a safe, engaging and fun work environment where people can grow their careers in Canton, Ohio," General Manager Anthony Papa said.
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The warehouse is equipped with "innovative robotics technology," the company said. Throughout the state, Amazon operates 16 fulfillment and sortation centers, 17 delivery stations, one air hub, 12 Whole Foods Market stores, four Hub Locker+ sites, two Prime Now fulfillment centers, one wind farm and 17 solar farms.
Amazon invested more than $20 billion across Ohio by January of this year and employed more than 37,000 people, the company said. Employees earn an average starting wage of $19 an hour with comprehensive benefits. That includes a 401k with a 50% employer match and up to 20 weeks of paid maternal and parental leave.
Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei said city officials toured the building last week during the final building and code inspection, which went well. He described the site as an example of "state-of-the-art" engineering.
"The facility is extraordinary," Bernabei said.
The company opened with about 75 trainers and 125 associates and is expected to hire about 125 people a month moving forward, Bernabei said. The regular employment level should be 600 to 800 workers with up to 1,000 employees during peak seasons.
The city of Canton has a 2.5% income tax rate. If Amazon has 500 employees earning $19 an hour by June, then Canton could collect about $250,000 this year, according to Finance Director Mark Crouse. He said the city stands to collect about $1 million a year if the company reaches a $40 million payroll.
Amazon spokeswoman Paula Morrison said the company plans to host a future event at the site for media, officials and community partners.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @kbyerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Amazon opens new fulfillment center in Canton
