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Amazon to create 1,500 new jobs with new Essex packing centre

Online retailer Amazon has announced it is to create 1,500 jobs at a new fulfillment centre in Essex that will be equipped with some of its most advanced robotics technology.

The US giant expects the new Tilbury fulfilment centre, which will be its 13th in the UK, to be fully operational by Spring 2017, as a combination of increased demand, an expanded selection of items and more third party Marketplace sellers means the web giant is having to expand its UK presence.

In a statement released today (Thursday) Amazon has also revealed that the new complex will feature some of its most advanced robotics which will speed up order processing and allow 50% more items to be stored per square foot.

Its Kiva Robots, which are exclusive to the online retailer after it acquired Kiva Systems for $775m in 2012, slide beneath shelves that are holding items, lift them up and move them through the centre to reduce walking time for the firm’s human processors.

John Tagawa, Amazon’s Vice President of UK Operation said the US business was ‘delighted’ to be created 1,500 jobs, which are in addition to the 3,500 the firm plans to create across its UK operations this year.

Touching upon the benefits of the robots, which are currently utilised in Amazon’s Dunstable and Doncaster centres, Tagawa claims that they allow the retailer to pass savings on to its customers.

He added: “The Amazon teams are dedicated to innovating in our fulfilment centres to increase speed of delivery while enabling greater selection at lower costs for our customers.

“The introduction of Amazon Robotics is the newest example of our commitment to invention in logistics on behalf of our employees and our customers.”

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