Amazon announced it has launched a new £500 million state-of-the-art fulfilment centre at Gateway45, Leeds, that will employ more than 2,000 people by November this year.

The company said recruitment continues for the Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre for a wide variety of roles including engineers, HR and IT professionals through to health & safety and finance specialists, as well as team members who pick, pack and ship customer orders.

“This latest generation fulfilment centre utilises advanced technology across three floors of Amazon Robotics to stow, pick and ship customer orders …” said the company.

“The building is located in close proximity to an Amazon delivery station and an Amazon Robotics sortation centre, and less than ten miles from the Wakefield fulfilment centre which started operations in October 2022.”

James Mason, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: “This further, significant investment from Amazon is a confirmation of our strategic location for the logistics industry as a whole, and a ringing endorsement for the strength and skillset of the workforce in our region.

“We at the Chamber welcome the job creation, a significant boost for the region’s economy.”

Richard Thompson, Amazon’s Regional Director, said: “West Yorkshire is an important region for Amazon, with more than 3,800 small- and medium-sized enterprise selling partners, and I am delighted to confirm our ongoing commitment with this £500 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Leeds.

“This new site will create more than 2,000 new jobs, taking our total workforce in the region to more than 4,000 full and part-time roles, and our investment in the region to more than £1.5 billion since 2010.

“Amazon continues to invest in our buildings and innovative technology to provide our people with some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, ensuring their wellbeing while delivering for our customers.”

Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Amazon’s multi-million pound investment in Leeds is a fantastic vote of confidence in our region and supports our ambition to drive economic growth.

“I’m delighted that thousands more new jobs will be created for people throughout our communities, as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Amazon said it has invested over £56 billion in the UK since 2010 and more than £1.5 billion in West Yorkshire.

The firm said wages start at a minimum of £12.30 or £13 per hour depending on location and “employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount as well as a company pension plan.”