Amazon bringing facility to Jackson

Staff reports

The construction project adjacent to Central Distributors near McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport has publicly been announced.

Amazon is set to establish a last mile facility in Jackson-Madison County, which will allow the company to better serve customers in West Tennessee, according to a press release from The Greater Jackson Chamber on Wednesday. 

The facility, which is 65,000 square feet, will be located off of Highway 223 and Lager Lane in Jackson. Launch plans for this facility are in the very early stages, as construction work began just last month. 

“This last mile facility will allow us to better serve customers in Jackson and West Tennessee,” said Jessica Breaux, the senior manager of economic development for Amazon. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the city of Jackson, Madison County, and the economic development team at the Greater Jackson Chamber that have helped make this happen. 

“We look forward to sharing more details about this facility and the good jobs we’ll offer in the future.”

Last mile facilities prepare customer orders for delivery. Overall, the company’s footprint in Tennessee includes multiple operation centers and a corporate office in Nashville. Since 2010, Amazon has created 24,000 full and part-time jobs in Tennessee and invested more than $20.5 billion in the state through infrastructure projects and compensation. Most hourly employees in customer fulfillment and transportation earn between $17 and $28 per hour. 

Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey gave credit to local investor Gary Taylor and his company for their work in bringing Amazon to Jackson.

"Gary A Taylor Investment Company has long been a major contributor to development in Jackson-Madison County,” Massey said. “This collaboration between the public and private sectors showcases the power of partnerships in driving development. It exemplifies our dedication to working together for the betterment of our community."

Chamber CEO Kyle Spurgeon said this is another piece of evidence that Jackson is in a strategic location for global brand companies like Amazon.

“Jackson’s business environment and reputation for teamwork enabled Gary A Taylor Investment Company to complete the steps necessary to secure this new investment,” Spurgeon said. “Amazon's global presence in Jackson will provide a catalyst for continued growth. Jackson is the ideal location for an Amazon last-mile facility due to its proximity to the interstate and infrastructure.”

Jackson Mayor Scott Conger said he was proud of yet another company announcing its intent of bringing a facility and more jobs to the Hub City.

“We are always thankful for the opportunity to welcome new companies to Jackson,” Conger said. “This investment will not only create jobs but also boost economic development and reinforce Jackson's position as a leading destination to do business.”