WINDSOR, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Amazon, along with Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, state and local elected officials, and community partners, celebrated the official opening of its new, state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Windsor, Connecticut. More than 2,000 local Amazon employees will operate and work with the newest innovative robotics technology, delivering for customers in the area. This new facility expands Amazon’s robust operations and logistics network in the state, where there are more than 15,000 full and part-time employees across Connecticut communities.
“I am thrilled Amazon is investing further into the great state of Connecticut with the opening of its new fulfillment center in Windsor,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “This fulfillment center is adding more than 2,000 well-paid jobs with excellent benefits into the Greater Hartford economy, and I look forward to the impact it will have on the region and state for years to come.”
“I’m so excited to take part in today’s celebration. This new, state-of-the-art facility will deliver innovation and next-generation jobs to the Windsor area and support a better customer experience throughout our Connecticut communities,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Amazon continues to display its commitment to expanding in our state, but more importantly – truly supporting our communities. Beyond its creation of good-paying, in-demand jobs, Amazon is committed to investing in and volunteering for local organizations and nonprofits, ensuring that not just their business, but the entire community thrives.”
Amazon employees were welcomed inside the new 3.8 million square-foot robotic fulfillment center to begin processing and delivering customer orders starting in November of 2022. At this facility employees pick, pack and ship smaller customer items such as books, electronics, small household goods and toys.
“We’re thrilled to officially open our next-generation Amazon Robotic fulfillment center here in Windsor so we can continue to deliver for our customers in Connecticut and beyond,” said Gurol Butun, General Manager at the new facility. “Not only are we bringing good jobs to this area, the team here is already giving back by supporting great projects and organizations in our community. It’s a privilege to lead this team and create a safe, engaging, and fun workplace that allows our employees to flourish.”
An Amazon presence in Connecticut means more than just the great jobs with full benefits provided within the four walls of this new facility. The company has also brought thousands of jobs in construction and services.
“The opening of the new Amazon facility will present a vast number of opportunities for hundreds of people in our state,” said Senator Doug McCrory. “I am excited for Windsor as this new state-of-the-art Amazon Robotics fulfillment center will have a positive economic impact on our community. Those seeking employment have a chance to begin to grow a successful career.”
“As a community, we are thrilled to be opening this new state-of-the-art facility from Amazon. As we have seen in the past, Amazon is a wonderful partner to Windsor. Not only as a positive economic impact on the town and state of Connecticut, but also for the creation of yet more jobs in the area,” said Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks. “These jobs mean more opportunity for local shops, restaurants and the service industry. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Amazon, moving forward.”
Amazon is a great place to work with highly competitive pay, benefits that begin on the first day of employment, and training programs for in-demand jobs. On top of Amazon’s national average starting wage of over $19 per hour, the company offers full-time employees’ industry-leading benefits from day one of employment, including full health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with 50 percent company match and up to 20 weeks paid parental leave.
Amazon also provides access to its innovative Career Choice program which offers fully-funded college tuition, allows employees to participate every year they work at Amazon, and gives them eligibility after only 90 days of employment. Through Career Choice, employees can pursue a Bachelor’s degree, earn industry certifications leading to in-demand jobs, and build skills through English language proficiency, and high school completion programs. Career Choice education partners in Connecticut include the University of Connecticut, Manchester Community College, and Capital Community College.
Positions are still available at the new fulfillment center. Jobs are available on a rolling basis and fill up quickly. Interested candidates are encouraged to sign up for alerts by visiting amazon.jobs to learn more and apply online.
Beyond its investments and job creation, Amazon continues to support Connecticut communities by investing in local organizations and nonprofits through monetary and in-kind donations and volunteering opportunities. Before this new fulfillment center opened, more than 100 members of the leadership team dedicated an entire week to volunteering with nine local nonprofit organizations, including farms, schools, soup kitchens and sustainability programs.
Additionally, with a $10,000 donation announced today, Amazon is supporting Team Paragon 571, a FIRST robotics organization comprised of students from Windsor High School and surrounding areas.
“We are incredibly honored to receive a donation from Amazon to support Team Paragon 571. This donation is so important in funding our FIRST Robotics program so we can continue promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to young minds in the Windsor community,” said Brian Abbot, President, Team Paragon Robotics.
In 2022, Amazon donated more than $645,000 to Connecticut based charities, non-profits, and community development organizations, including donations to the local chapters of the Boys & Girls Club, The Connecticut Food Bank, Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, and several youth sports organizations throughout the state.
Since 2010, Amazon has created more than 15,000 jobs in Connecticut and has invested over $6 billion in the state including infrastructure and compensation to its employees. These investments have contributed an additional $5.5 billion to the Connecticut economy and have helped create an additional 19,000 jobs—in addition to the employees the company directly employs—including jobs in construction, logistics, health care, and professional services. Additionally, more than 19,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Connecticut—including authors—are growing their businesses with Amazon.
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. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
