Plans have been announced by online retailer Amazon for a new distribution hub – or fulfilment centre as they are known – which is due to be opened in Bolton, Lancashire in 2018.
It is hoped the expansion will create around 1,200 local jobs, ranging from operations managers and engineers, to IT and HR specialists, to staff to pick, pack and dispatch items.
The decision has been made to also include advanced robot technology in the development of the centre, which will be provided by Amazon’s Robot division. This technology will help with the lifting and moving of items around the facility.
Amazon said the plans will support increased customer demand, enable medium and small sized businesses to expand their sales, and expand merchandise selections. The new facility will be fitted with the latest warehouse picking and packing equipment, from aisle picking trolleys and packing tables, to volume packing benches.
The centre is the fourth to be planned for the North West, with Warrington also set to become home to one in the near future. The development of the four new facilities will create over 3,500 new and permanent jobs. A fulfilment centre in Daventry opened earlier in this year.
Stefano Perego, director of UK Customer Fulfilment for Amazon, said:
“Our ability to expand in the North West is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce. We are thrilled to begin recruitment for 1,200 new permanent roles in Bolton with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”
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