New Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center flourishing
The greatly anticipated Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center at 2022 Research Parkway in Davenport opened in October 2023, and in the months since, has employed 1,500 Quad Citizens with plans to hire 300 more in the next month.
"We’re proud - actually thrilled - to be the first Amazon facility in the Quad Cities market,” said Nate Rudy, the Fulfillment Center's General Manager.
The Center features the latest generation of Amazon robotics, with over 5,000 robots helping move products through the 2.3 million square foot building. With 50,000 yellow bins to help transport orders and products through the building via 12 miles of conveyor - as well as people power - the Center fulfills an average of 130,000 customer orders per day. According to Rudy, the facility has shipped 4 million items to customers since their outbound robotics launch on February 4, and expects that number to ramp up significantly by the 2024 holiday season. "We anticipate approximately 3 million orders per day between Thanksgiving and Christmas," he said.
Jobs at the location offer full and part-time positions starting at $17.50/hour, plus industry-leading benefits. Innovative programs for hourly employees like Career Choice prepay tuition to enhance employees' education and skills training. This includes GED and high school diplomas, Associate's degrees and Bachelor's degrees, as well as certificate programs for trade and technical roles.
On Thursday, March 28, Amazon hosted a media event and tour to mark the full launch of the facility. In attendance were U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson, City of Davenport officials and the Chamber team.
"This facility is going to strengthen Iowa's local economy...it's exciting that Amazon is an American company and they have chosen to locate right here in the heartland," remarked Ernst.
"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Amazon for choosing Davenport as the home for this remarkable Center. Your investment in our community speaks volumes about the potential you see here, and the confidence you have in our workforce," said Miller-Meeks.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $1.5 billion into Iowa through infrastructure and compensation to employees. Additionally, more than $1.3 billion has been added into the state GDP thanks to Amazon investments. There are more than 2,500 independent sellers - most of whom are small and medium-sized Iowa businesses - selling in Amazon’s store. More than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store come from independent sellers.
About Amazon: Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon.
Read the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center background story here.
