Dozens of locals gathered on Tallahassee’s Southside on Tuesday to learn about the newest robotics fulfillment center.
Plans to bring Amazon to the capital came after city and Leon County officials approved $2.5 million in incentives to support the company’s expansion. In return the company was to provide 1,000 jobs. However, that was nearly three years ago. Now, Tallahassee’s Office of Economic Vitality Director Keith Bowers says the company is finally here to deliver their promise.
“I just think this a great economic development for our entire community, so we’re thrilled to be a part of it and we hope everyone takes advantage of these opportunities and learn more about what it’s like to work at a fulfillment center for Amazon and then also what the benefits are," said Bowers.
Tallahassee’s Amazon center will assist with shipping and customer needs. Full-time warehouse positions are currently being offered with pay rates starting at $16 an hour. Benefits like tuition assistance and on-the job training are also available.
21-year-old Jaylen Simmons says Amazon popped up on his radar last year, and hearing about the different roles is what led him to leave his hometown in Panama City, Florida.
“This is the work I’m more experienced for," said Simmons. "I saw that they were building one here and I was actually kind of relocating this way to see if that’s an opportunity I could take.”
According to FSU's analysis, the facility will generate a total economic impact of $451 million in the city. The fulfillment center is slated to open by the end of this year. Job fairs and additional info sessions will be announced at later dates.