Amazon has confirmed that it will build what it calls a “Fulfillment Center” on Spokane’s West Plains. A “Fulfillment Center” is a large, warehouse-like facility where retailers send the goods they sell. Then, Amazon employees fill orders by retrieving those goods, packing and shipping them.
The project has been rumored for months in Spokane business circles with the name “Project Rose.”
Now, says Todd Mielke from Greater Spokane Incorporated, the rumors have been confirmed.
“What this signals is not only a confirmation that Project Rose is Amazon, but it also signals they are going to exercise their purchase of the site and be able to start going forward with construction plans," Mielke said. "My understanding is they want to be operational by next year, so we anticipate a rather fast construction schedule and then ramp up on the hiring.”
Mielke says Amazon anticipates hiring about 1,500 people to start, topping out at about three thousand during peak shipping season. He hopes this announcement will eventually lead other major corporations to consider Spokane as a site to do business.