Amazon’s giant leap into Michigan transforming state’s logistics, distribution possibilities

$150-million investment in new fulfilment center, 1,000 new jobs in Kent County; In 18 months, world’s largest internet-based retailer invests $420 million, creates 4,925 jobs in Michigan; New jobs include full benefits, 95% tuition reimbursement

LANSING, Mich. – As a further endorsement of Michigan’s prime logistical assets and strategic location to the Midwest and Canadian consumer markets, Amazon.com Services, Inc. will invest $150 million in a fulfilment center in Gaines Township, Kent County. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved today a $4-million Michigan Business Performance program grant to support the online giant’s latest investment in the state.

“Amazon’s ongoing investment in Michigan reflects the state’s prime supply chain assets, and as a Midwest distribution center for internet-based businesses,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which administers business attraction and job-creation programs along with conducts due diligence on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

When completed, the sprawling sortation and fulfilment center on a 100-acre site will have up to 1,000 full-time jobs with benefits, and offer employees 95-percent reimbursement on the cost of college tuition.  Amazon will lease the newly constructed state-of-the-art, build-to-suit fulfillment center on land owned by Steelcase, a Grand Rapids-based furniture maker. A third-party developer will build the center.

“A project of this size will likely attract more growth and capital, and consequently, there will be a range of business investment,” said Mason. “The state’s success comes from the coordination with our regional economic partners, and an understanding of how the state’s logistical assets can support a global enterprise like Amazon’s.”

The investment in western Michigan comes after the internet-based retailer established three fulfilment centers in metro Detroit during the last 18 months. Since December 2016, Amazon has invested in centers in Livonia, Romulus, and Shelby Township. With the additional investment at the Gaines Charter Township site, Amazon’s total private investment in Michigan stands at $420 million with the commitment to create 4,925 jobs.

“The Right Place is pleased to work on the proposed Gaines Township Amazon fulfillment center,” said Birgit Klohs, president/CEO, The Right Place, Inc., a non-profit economic development organization that spearheads business growth in West Michigan. “This critical approval from the MEDC brings this project one step closer to reality.”

The site in western Michigan was selected over competing sites in the Midwest.

Gaines Charter Township is providing a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project.

For information on careers with Amazon, visit http://amazondelivers.jobs

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.