Amazon has completed a major expansion at one of its Midlands fulfilment centres.
The global retail and tech giant has spent a year expanding capacity at its Coalville site in north west Leicestershire, which has increased the capacity of the site by a third without increasing the one million sq ft footprint of the building.
A four-storey tower has been built inside the fulfilment centre, increasing floor space and also enabling the 1,000 or so workers there to manage a greater variety of products. Amazon said no new jobs will be created as a result.
The Coalville centre, which opened in October 2016, focuses on bigger items sold through Amazon ranging from bulk pet food to large screen TVs and garden furniture.
Amazon Coalville general manager Tracey Foster said the project has been a massive challenge.
She said: “Taking on this project while continuing to operate the building and deliver for our customers has been a real test of our team – and they’ve been fantastic.
“We’ve had to relocate departments, change the way we operate, and make frequent adjustments to the work flow through the building.
“I can’t emphasise enough just how good the Coalville team has been throughout this and it’s been a real treat to celebrate the completion of the project with everyone on site.”
The Amazon Coalville team celebrated the October 31 opening with a Halloween-themed event, and the new area was officially opened by North West Leicestershire Councillor Keith Merrie.
Coun Merrie said: “It’s fantastic to see Amazon investing in what is clearly already a state-of-the-art fulfilment centre.
“They’re a significant employer, not only providing hundreds of jobs in the area but a wide variety of skills and career opportunities.”
Last month Amazon announced a special payment of up to £500 for its frontline workers.
Tens of thousands of hourly paid employees, including full and part-time staff and seasonal workers, will benefit from the money being paid in two instalments – £250 last month and £250 in December.
