Big Business Boost For Baltimore: Amazon Distribution Center To Bring 1,000+ Jobs
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A big boost for Baltimore. Amazon announces it will build a new warehouse in Charm City, bringing more than 1,000 jobs to the area.
Linh Bui explains the move and its massive impact.
Amazon will build its new fulfillment center on Broening Highway. The company's goal is to get products out to customers faster.
Related Link: More Information About Amazon Jobs
Amazon, the online retail giant, is coming to Charm City, creating more than 1,000 full-time positions.
"It's a great day for Baltimore, and I'm very pleased with the work that was done to make that happen," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The one million square foot facility will be built at the former GM assembly plant in the Port of Baltimore. The location is one of eight new warehouses planned across the country. According to Amazon, these cities have very large consumer bases.
Amazon is moving toward same-day delivery and the new fulfillment center would serve the Baltimore/Washington area. Employees will pack and ship goods to consumers.
"Since I'm into building and maintenance, that would be perfect for me. I love that kind of work. I've been doing it all my life," said Elliot Fitzhugh, who's looking for a job.
Amazon says it will pay 30 percent more than the average retail job. Benefits include a 401(k), health care and pre-paid tuition for college.
"I will apply. I'll be the first one there," said Cheryl Ashley, who's looking for a job.
Economist Anirban Basu says this will energize the area and could attract other Fortune 500 companies to Baltimore.
"A place gets hot, all of a sudden consultants realize, `My goodness, businesses are going to that area. There must be a reason.' They look at our demographics, our can-do workforce and they say, `Maybe we should be thinking about Baltimore, too,'" Basu said.
City leaders say this is more proof that Baltimore is open for business.
Once the center opens, Maryland will have to pay sales tax. There's no word on when construction or hiring will begin.
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