Local Amazon fulfilment centre to open Oct. 1, company announces

A massive newAmazon fulfilment centre just outsideLondon, Ont., will open on Oct. 1 and will employ about 1,000 full-time people, the company announced Wednesday.

Construction on the massive facility, located in Southwold Township on Sunset Drive, took two years. Hiring will begin in September for opening the following month.

"Amazon is committed to supporting the long-term economic vibrancy of Southwold Township," Harsh Khaitan, the company'sdirector of regional operations, said in a statement released by Amazon.

"By creating more than 1,000 good jobs and deploying our world-class logistics technology, we look forward to supporting this community and continuing to deliver exceptional service to our customers."

Employees at the plant will pick, packand ship customer orders such as books, toysand housewares, the company has said.

Up to 750,000 items will be processed every day.

"We're thrilled to have Amazon join our community. We are very much looking forward to the positive economic and social impact the opening of the Amazon fulfilment centre will bring to our area," Southwold Township Mayor Grant Jones said in a statement.

"The revitalization of the site offers new opportunities for our local residents and region for years to come."