While Georgia might have missed out on Amazon's second headquarters, the online retailer still wants to do business in the state.
Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced Wednesday afternoon that Amazon plans to open a new fulfillment center in metro Atlanta, covering a large property that spans Gwinnett and Dekalb counties.
The company will need 1,000 employees to operate the facility.
"I am excited to announce that Amazon will expand its operations here in Georgia," Kemp said in a press statement. "This announcement demonstrates that the Peach State has proven itself as a leading competitor for investment from the world’s most revered companies, and I am excited for the opportunities that this new facility will create for hardworking Georgians in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties."
Company officials said Amazon will lease what they called a "built-to-suit building" - a 700,000 square foot facility.
Employees will pick, pack, and ship customer orders. Amazon also will hire for roles in human resources, operations management, safety, security, finance and information technology.
"Amazon is proud to serve customers across Georgia and throughout the southeast region of the United States," said Roy Perticucci, Vice President of Customer Fulfillment at Amazon, in the press statement. "We look forward to creating 1,000 new, full-time jobs with industry leading pay and benefits on day one."
The Gwinnett Daily Post reports the development has been known in the planning stages as Project Rocket, and Amazon had been rumored to be the company behind the development. The facility is to be built in the Snellville/Stone Mountain Park area along West Park Place Boulevard.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development said Amazon already employs more than 3,500 people at various facilities in Georgia.
