Amazon expands UK operation
Second fulfilment centre to open in Scotland
Online retailer Amazon is to open a second UK fulfilment centre, at Gourock in Scotland.
The new facility, due to be operational in the second half of 2004, will create up to 300 new jobs within 18 months. The expansion of the online giant’s UK fulfilment operation follows strong sales growth for the business, as well as recent expansion of its product ranges.
The Gourock fulfilment centre will help meet future customer demand, and will dispatch a wide range of products. Situated 28 miles from Glasgow city centre, it will handle products from across Amazon.co.uk’s product range in categories such as books, music, dvd, video, software, PC & video games, electronics & photo, home & garden and toys & kids.
Allan Lyall, Amazon’s vice president for European Operations said: “We are delighted to announce the forthcoming launch of our Scottish fulfilment centre. Customers in the UK continue to respond to our low prices, free super saver delivery, wide selection and the unparalleled convenience offered by Amazon.co.uk.
“The Gourock operation will help us to dispatch even more customer orders quickly and efficiently.”
Amazon.co.uk has been supported by Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire. Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, said: “The announcement by Amazon.co.uk today that it intends to site its new fulfilment centre in Gourock is extremely welcome.
“The 300 jobs it plans to create would be a major jobs boost for Inverclyde. And of course I am delighted that in the face of competition from locations elsewhere, such an innovative and creative company has chosen to expand their business in Scotland.”
Amazon currently operates ten fulfilment centres worldwide, including six in the United States and one each in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan.
