Greater Wichita region welcomes two Amazon facilities and hundreds of jobs
Wichita, Kan. – Amazon announced today that it will locate two new facilities in the Greater Wichita region creating hundreds of jobs. The first Amazon locations in the region, the company will locate a new one million square-foot fulfillment center in Park City anticipated to open in 2021 and a delivery station in northeast Wichita expected to open later this year.
“Park City is a prime location for a premier company like Amazon,” said Park City Mayor Ray Mann. “We have focused on creating a business-friendly city that is ready to welcome global companies who want to grow with us, and we welcome Amazon as an extraordinary company with its hundreds of jobs and significant economic growth to the entire region.”
The Park City fulfillment facility will be located at 7130 North Broadway Avenue where Amazon said its associates will work to pick, pack and ship bulky or larger-sized customer items such as patio furniture, outdoor equipment, or rugs.
Both Greater Wichita region facilities are in Sedgwick County and Commissioner for the 4th District Lacey Cruse said, “This is a great win for Sedgwick County and Kansas. The south-central Kansas region is especially supportive of economic development, and we have the prime location for transportation routes.”
The Wichita delivery station facility is at 4044 North Toben. The building was part of the City of Wichita’s speculative industrial building program.
“We are thrilled for Amazon’s significant investment in Wichita and the Greater Wichita region and for the many new jobs and opportunities that they bring with them,” Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said. “Their partnership with the community is testament to the exceptional regional cooperation and thoughtful planning in developing the right infrastructure to attract this investment. We look forward to this announcement being a spur for even greater investments and job growth in Wichita and across our region.” Mayor Brandon Whipple
Amazon made the announcement at a virtual news conference from Governor Laura Kelly with local elected leaders and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. The company also announced a new facility in Kansas City, Kan., in addition to the Park City and Wichita facilities.
Between the three Kansas facilities, Amazon announced there will be more than 1,000 jobs with opportunity to grow that number.
“Sustained growth and economic development is a team effort that works best when our state and local partners are working together, and I’m grateful for the Greater Wichita Partnership’s efforts to bring high-paying jobs and investment to Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Today’s Amazon announcement further proves why the Wichita region can offer prospective businesses the kind of workforce, infrastructure, and central location that can compete with anywhere in the country.”
Amazon’s news release outlines its industry-leading minimum starting wage from $15 an hour and full-time employee comprehensive benefits, including up to 20 weeks of maternal and parental paid leave among other programs, plus access to paid training and education. Amazon will announce hiring information at a later date for the Wichita facility with the Park City facility expected to open in 2021.
“The economic impact from the hundreds of jobs announced today will reverberate throughout the region for years,” said President of the Greater Wichita Partnership Jeff Fluhr. “Logistics, warehousing and e-commerce is a key focus of the Regional Growth Plan and our economic development efforts because it is a vitally important industry segment in our 21st century economy. The state and local governments created the competitive environment and infrastructure to make these jobs a reality for the region.”
