Date Created: 13 January 2011
Amazon is to create up to 950 jobs across two Scottish sites, thanks to support from Scottish Development International.
The online retail giant plans to open a new fulfilment centre in Dunfermline which will create over 750 new jobs. In addition, 200 posts will be created at its existing fulfilment facility in Gourock, which packs and ships items for Amazon customers. A further 1,500 temporary jobs could also be created during peak periods.
"Amazon is delighted that its biggest UK fulfilment centre is to be built in Dunfermline," said Alan Lyall, Vice President of European Operations at Amazon.
"Our decision to base this major expansion in Scotland, against stiff international competition, is due not only to the excellent local workforce but to the impressive professionalism of Scottish Development International."
Established in 1998, Amazon offers a multitude of products over the internet, including books, movies, music, PC and video games, software and electronics. Plans for the group to increase its presence in Scotland will receive financial support from Scottish Enterprise – £2 million in Regional Selective Assistance and £500,000 in training grants.
Great news for Scotland
"This announcement is great news for Scotland and demonstrates once again that Scotland continues to be an attractive location for international companies to invest," said Anne Macoll, Chief Executive of Scottish Development International.
"Amazon operates across the world and its decision to base its largest fulfilment centre in the UK here is testament to the hard work of colleagues from across SE and SDI to secure this investment for Scotland."
The new £1 million centre will be Amazon’s biggest in the UK – approximately the size of 14 football pitches – and is to be built on development land alongside the M90 near to the junction with the A92. It will distribute a wide range of items to Amazon customers all over the UK, Europe and the World and will also provide extra capacity for an ever-increasing selection of products.
Allan Lyall, Vice President of European Operations at Amazon said that the company is ‘delighted’ that its biggest UK fulfilment centre is to be built in Dunfermline.
Work is expected to start on the site immediately, with a view to open the new centre by the end of the year.
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