Online marketplace Amazon has announced it will open a new 310,000ft² fulfillment center in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK. The new hub will create 500 jobs and begin operating from fall 2015.
John Tagawa, director of UK operations at Amazon, said, “Over the last two years, we have added well in excess of 2,000 new employees to our UK workforce and we are delighted to be able to create a further 500 permanent jobs at our new Dunstable center. We look forward to our Dunstable center playing an integral role in providing a first class shopping experience for customers across the UK, Europe and the world.”
Amazon employees working at the center will receive a starting wage of £8.10 (US$12.70) per hour rising to £8.90 (US$14) after 24 months. Permanent employees work four 10-hour shifts a week and receive stock grants after one year’s service. Local agencies will begin the recruitment process immediately.
Nigel Young, councilor for central Bedfordshire, said, “I am delighted that a world-class organization like Amazon is creating 500 new permanent jobs for Dunstable and the surrounding areas.
“Amazon’s arrival is an important milestone in the overall regeneration story that is now being delivered in Dunstable and Houghton Regis and they will no doubt benefit from the excellent transport links provided by the Luton Dunstable Busway which will soon be further enhanced by the A5-M1 and Woodside Link roads.”
Amazon has eight other fulfillment centers in the UK located in Doncaster, Dunfermline, Gourock, Hemel Hempstead, Marston Gate, Peterborough, Rugeley and Swansea Bay. Together, more than 7,000 permanent employees work at these centers.
May 13, 2015
