Amazon To Open Corporate Office In Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Online retailer Amazon plans to open a corporate office in Detroit in early 2016.
Seattle-based Amazon says it has hundreds of Michigan employees and on Monday announced it wants the downtown office to be a technology hub.
Amazon says the office will mean more full-time technology-focused jobs, but the company didn't say how many jobs it would add. Peter Faricy, vice president for Amazon Marketplace, says in a statement that Amazon is "focused on hiring in the state."
Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman, Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures, was on hand for the announcement:
"Innovation and creativity is going to grow this economy and grow Detroit, there is no company that really ... epitomizes that more than Amazon," he said.
The office will house workers with roles including software development, engineering and advertising sales.
As part of the announcement, Amazon is donating $10,000 and 30 Amazon Fire tablets to the Detroit Public Schools' Carver STEM Academy program. The school offers a curriculum rich in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
Another announcement is expected from major auto supplier Lear concerning a design studio in Capitol Park.
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