Amazon announces warehousing and delivery investments in Ireland
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, is set to open a facility in Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland, giving local employment opportunities a boost and expanding its offering even further.
The new facility will employ a total of 18 permanent staff and will work with four of the local delivery companies that employ approximately 130 drivers to ensure deliveries go out efficiently.
Expanding the Brand
Amazon is always looking for new ways to expand and is even offering food delivery services in some parts of the world as part of its Prime Now offering. It has been eyeing Northern Ireland as a potential site for a while. Amazon Logistics has been in operation in other parts of the UK since early 2012, and now it will expand its in-house delivery operations by opening a centre at the Kilroot Business Park.
Amazon has studied the market in Northern Ireland extensively, and investors chose it as it shows definite potential, both short-term and long-term.
Job Creation
By opening up a facility in Carrickfergus, Amazon is giving local employment a boost too, and although they are starting with only 18 permanent employees, as the brand grows in this region further employees are sure to be taken on board. For the independent delivery firms that service the sorting centres, this is an excellent opportunity to boost profits, and for Dublin shopfitting companies such as RMC there could well be plenty of opportunities to step in and offer their services, as the warehouses and offices will need outfitting.
Introduction of a Huge Brand
In 2015 Amazon generated more than $100 billion in sales across the globe. The brand claims to have more than 300 million active accounts with customers worldwide and is also considered to be one of the most valuable companies in operation today.
Amazon’s focus isn’t only on building its own brand, however, as it also aims to empower local businesses and create opportunities for symbiotic relationships. Amazon Logistics also assists local delivery companies in growing their businesses, as it provides them with state-of-the-art technology to ensure deliveries are prompt.
By collaborating with local and regional and national delivery firms, Amazon will be able to deliver parcels seven days a week all across Northern Ireland, meeting the needs of customers in every possible way.
