Amazon to Open Delivery Stations in Merrillville, Valpo
(photo courtesy of Amazon)
Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) is planning to build two delivery stations in northwest Indiana and create hundreds of jobs. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the facilities at the AmeriPlex at the Crossroads business park in Merrillville and the Lakes of Valparaiso Business Park in Valparaiso are expected to open this year.
The town of Merrillville says the project is expected to create up to 300 permanent jobs by spring 2022 as well as 100 temporary construction jobs.
“We’re excited to continue to invest in the state of Indiana with five new delivery stations that will provide efficient delivery for customers, and create hundreds of job opportunities for the state’s talented workforce,” said Amazon Spokesperson Jessica Pawl. “These new delivery stations represent Amazon’s unwavering commitment to safety, technological innovations and skilled teams who are obsessed with delivering for our customers.”
Merrillville Town Manager Patrick Reardon tells the publication Amazon will invest more than $30 million in land, building and equipment for the 141,000-square-foot delivery station.
“The addition of the Amazon facility to the (AmeriPlex business park) is the crown jewel for the town of Merrillville from an economic development standpoint,” Town Councilman Shawn Pettit said. “To have a Fortune 100 company located in Merrillville will enhance the park and draw in other firms to the park, which will benefit the town for decades to come.”
Valparaiso City Attorney Patrick Lyp tells The Times the Valpo facility will add more than 100 jobs for Amazon and additional positions will be open for delivery drivers.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Amazon to Valparaiso. As a global leader, Amazon will be an excellent addition to our community,” Mayor Matt Murphy said. “It’s very gratifying to have the facility, workforce and excellent quality of life to offer companies like Amazon.”
In a statement from Amazon, the company said each of its new delivery stations will be designed to meet the needs of its electric delivery vehicles.
“Ranging from the physical layout to the electrical design, we are optimizing these spaces to offer flexibility and scale as we move closer toward putting 10,000 electric delivery vehicles on the road in 2022,” Amazon said in a statement.
Packages from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers are sent to delivery stations for the last portion of the company’s order fulfillment process.
A delivery station opened last month in South Bend. The Times reports Amazon also plans to open stations in Indianapolis and Greenfield this year.