After years of anticipation, construction on Amazon's new facility in Pender County is set to begin by early 2025. The project, first announced in March 2022, experienced delays following the cancellation or postponement of several proposed centers nationwide.

Where is the facility located?

‍The Amazon facility will be part of the 330-acre Pender Commerce Park, located near the Pender/New Hanover County border along U.S. 421. Other tenants in the park include FedEx Freight, Acme Smoked Fish, and Coastal Beverage. The park is projected to create over 1,000 jobs across five counties.

When will construction start?

‍Work is already underway, with the site cleared for development, according to Amazon’s Greg Rios. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for February 20, 2025. An Amazon fulfillment center can typically be built in about a year, but no official timeline has been provided.

Facility Size

‍Initially planned at 142,000 square feet, the facility will be smaller than Amazon's typical fulfillment centers, suggesting it will function as a delivery station. These centers usually employ over 100 people and are vital in last-mile delivery. Amazon’s new facility will likely rank among Pender County’s top 20 employers.

The new site may also include Amazon Flex opportunities, allowing gig workers to deliver orders using their own cars. As Amazon increasingly incorporates robotics and artificial intelligence, maintenance and engineering roles will grow significantly at these facilities.