SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Amazon has opened a new facility in Springfield, expediting delivery times and opening jobs for dozens in the community. The Amazon team opened partially on Thursday to allow new staff members to train on the process. Right now, the facility has 75 part-time workers and handles 1,000 packages a day.
"We're going to scale that up, our capacity is 40,000 for one cycle," said Max Flynn, station manager at the facility. "We anticipate long-term, especially in our peak periods, we could get up to 50,000. As we scale in volume, we'll be hiring more and more people on."
Flynn explained the facility could have 150-200 workers per 4-6 shifts at the warehouse. As they expand their capacity, they will post open positions on their website each Friday.
There is also an opportunity for drivers to participate in Amazon Flex. This is a gig-based process, like DoorDash or Uber Eats, where approved drivers can use their own vehicle to deliver on three to four-hour routes.
Aside from increased job opportunities, the facility also brings the benefit of faster delivery times. The facility will keep a stock of the most popular items in the community and provide same-day shipping on those items.
"Items like dog food, cat food, diapers, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, even things like cereals and nonperishable items we'll be able to keep stocked here for the local community," Flynn said. " You could order them in the morning and get them by that night, or be lying in your bed at night, order and get it by noon the next day."
Items that can be shipped same-day will be indicated on the website once a nearby address is selected. Same-day services will be available for people living within 60 miles of Springfield, according to Flynn.
Flynn also said the facility will be able to create hubs in rural areas, which will allow for faster deliveries. This would include Amazon dropping off packages at local businesses, where they are then distributed to community members.
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