Amazon to open new fulfillment center in Channahon

Amazon announced Friday its plans to open a fulfillment center in Channahon.

This would be the sixth Amazon fulfillment center in Will County, including others in Crest Hill, Romeoville, Monee and two in Joliet. The company said the opening of this new center will create more than 500 new, full-time jobs starting at $15 an hour with comprehensive benefits, according to a news release.

“Illinois is a great place to do business, and we are excited to continue our growth and investment in the state with our new fulfillment center in Channahon,” said Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s vice president of global customer fulfillment. “Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $4 billion in the state through its local fulfillment center and cloud infrastructure, research facilities and compensation to thousands of employees in the state.”

Employees at the more than 1 million-square-foot fulfillment center will pick, pack and ship large items, such as sports equipment, patio furniture, fishing rods, pet food, kayaks, bicycles and larger household goods. Amazon employs more than 11,000 full-time associates throughout the state of Illinois, the release said.

“The significant jobs announcement is another sign that Illinois’ future is bright, and I’m excited to see Amazon build on its investment in Illinois with 500 new jobs in the south suburbs,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “Illinois is the transportation hub of the Midwest, and our workforce is among the best in the world.”

Amazon said Venture One is in charge of development for the project.