Amazon plans to open its first fulfillment center in the Peace Garden State in Fargo, North Dakota. The 1-million square-foot facility, which is anticipated to launch in 2021, will create 500 full-time jobs.
Alicia Boler Davis, Vice President of Global Customer Fulfillment at Amazon said; “Today is an exciting day for Amazon as we announce our first fulfillment center in North Dakota, bringing 500 full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits to Fargo. Amazon leverages its scale for good and makes investments to support communities.
We thank the local and state leaders for their support throughout the process, and we look forward to supporting the North Dakota community with great delivery options.”
Governor Doug Burgum said, “We’re excited and grateful for Amazon’s substantial investment and the hundreds of jobs it will bring to our state.
This is a testament to North Dakota’s attractive business climate, appealing communities and the strong work ethic of our citizens, and we look forward to being part of the company’s growth.”
Senator John Hoeven noted, “This is a welcome investment in Fargo and the surrounding communities, bringing approximately 500 jobs to the region.
That’s why we worked with the City of Fargo and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure the permit needed to construct the building on this property, and we look forward to its completion. Developments like this continue our state’s record of growth due to the business-friendly environment we’ve worked to build.”
Joe Raso, President and CEO the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC added, “From the beginning of this project in late spring to our announcement today, it has been a pleasure working with City of Fargo staff and leadership to support Amazon on this exciting opportunity for our region.
We look forward to our continued work with Ryan Companies on the construction of this impressive facility, and with Amazon supporting their workforce development and operational needs.”
Retail warehouse giant Amazon is moving in with a distribution fulfillment center that will provide not only jobs locally, but opportunities for smaller businesses as well.
“Small businesses across North Dakota that sell products on Amazon, it is a virtual mall and so that creates an opportunity for someone instead of opening up a retail store where they might sell to a market of 10,000 or 20,000 people you literally have an opportunity to sell your product to the whole world,” North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said.
The decision behind the large investment? Opportunity and demand.
“They wanted to come here, they saw what they could see here and they saw a community that was the right type of community to invest in and put their money into and they will also bring a great job market to us,” Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney, said.
“There’s a huge demand of our customers in the Midwest and this fulfillment center is going to allow us to meet the demand of our customers much better than we currently do,” Mike Flannery, Amazon’s Director of regional operations, said.
With the new development, the retail giant will be looking to hire more than 500 full-time employees.
“When we open the fulfillment center and hire some great people from North Dakota, everyone is going to start at a minimum of $15 an hour at the hourly rate, comprehensive benefit package from day one including healthcare and 401k,” Amazon’s Director of Regional Operations Mike Flannery said.
It was announced that hiring will start in early Spring 2021, with a opening date of August 2021.
Currently, Amazon is hiring a Site Manager for the Fargo Location. Click here for Job Description or Site Manager Job Description.
The Amazon fulfillment center will be located on 107 acres of farmland, north of the Hector International Airport, it is set to open next year.
Project Request:
MSUM, VP, Academic Affairs, Dr. Jackson, requested that MSUM Professional Management Department faculty should investigate a partnership with the Amazon Distribution center on some of the following actions:
1. Create a program jointly between MSUM and Amazon Distribution Center for potential jobs for current students for internships and other part time job opportunities
2. Create a program jointly between MSUM and Amazon Distribution Center for management positions for recently graduated students and alumni
3. Create a program that capitalizes on Amazon’s tuition reimbursement programs for employees that introduces them to the MSUM’s Operations Management, Project Management, and Global Supply Management programs
4. Create a solid partnership between the two organizations on other opportunities
