New Amazon Warehouse Set to Open in Knoxville for the Holidays
Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as the new Amazon warehouse prepares to open just in time for the holiday season. Located on the site of the former East Towne Mall, the warehouse has been under construction for the past three years and faced several delays. However, it is now on track to begin operations soon, marking a significant addition to the local economy.
The new facility is Amazon’s second warehouse in East Tennessee. Earlier this year, a robot-equipped fulfillment center opened its doors in Alcoa, further expanding Amazon’s presence in the region. A spokesperson for Amazon, Steve Kelly, confirmed that the Knoxville distribution center will be fully operational in time for the holidays. “The Knoxville area is a great place to live and work, and we’re grateful to play a growing role in the community,” Kelly stated. “We appreciate the support we’ve received from local partners and look forward to launching the facility soon.”
Job Opportunities Await at Amazon’s Knoxville Site
Along with the new warehouse comes a wealth of job opportunities. Amazon plans to hire hundreds of employees for the Knoxville site, which will create both full-time and part-time positions. These jobs will offer a minimum wage of $15 per hour, along with a variety of benefits. Those looking for work can stay updated on open positions by texting TYSNOW to 77088 or visiting the Amazon employment website.
What This New Facility Means for Deliveries
The Knoxville warehouse will serve an essential role in enhancing Amazon’s delivery capabilities in the Tennessee Valley. The 219,000 square-foot facility will act as the final point in Amazon’s distribution process, known as a delivery station, before packages are delivered to customers. This setup is designed to speed up delivery times, especially during the busy holiday season.
Additionally, the new delivery station will feature accommodations for Amazon’s electric delivery vehicles. This is part of Amazon’s commitment to sustainability, as the company plans to deploy 10,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2022. Currently, they have over 15,000 electric vehicles in operation across the United States.
Community Response and Project Development
The development of the Knoxville warehouse has been a collaborative effort. Hillwood Enterprises, the project developer, began discussions with local officials in May 2020 to seek approval for the construction. The Knoxville City Council approved the necessary land rezoning for industrial use, allowing the project to move forward.
In an effort to address concerns from local residents and officials, Hillwood made adjustments to the original plans. They reduced the overall size of the proposed campus and decreased the number of truck docks, ensuring compliance with noise and light regulations.
The ownership of the new warehouse lies with ElmTree Funds, a real estate investment firm based in St. Louis. This development is a promising addition to Knoxville’s local economy, providing new jobs and improved delivery services for residents.
As the holiday season approaches, many are looking forward to seeing how the new Amazon warehouse will benefit the community and enhance the shopping experience for local customers. Keep an eye out for updates on the opening date and job opportunities in the coming weeks.
