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First Minister Alex Salmond announces a new facility and expansion of current Amazon operations across Scotland

First Minister Alex Salmond announces a new facility and expansion of current Amazon operations across Scotland

 

Online retailer Amazon is to create 950 jobs across two Scottish sites, First Minister Alex Salmond said last week.

 

The company will create a fulfilment centre at Dunfermline, creating over 750 new jobs and an additional 200 posts will also be created at its existing fulfilment facility in Gourock, which packs and ship items for Amazon customers. The move is also expected to create a further 1,500 temporary jobs during peak periods.

 

All permanent employees at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Glenrothes will continue to be employed at the new site. The fulfilment centre at Gourock will be unaffected by the new centre and will continue to operate as usual.

 

Scottish government backing

 

Plans for the e-commerce group to increase its presence in Scotland will receive financial support from Scottish Enterprise: £2 million in Regional Selective Assistance and £500,000 in training grants.

 

Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, said: “Amazon has established itself as one of the world’s leading online retailers and I am delighted with its decision to expand its Scottish operations and to create 950 jobs. The Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise is doing all it can to attract new jobs and investment to Scotland.

 

“The company’s announcement of new investment in Scotland is a strong reflection on the success of its current operations and the skills of the local workforce. These new jobs are a welcome boost to the economy and a demonstration of Amazon’s commitment to doing business in Scotland.”

 

Building on existing operations

 

Amazon vice president of European operations, Allan Lyall, added: “Amazon is delighted that its biggest UK fulfilment centre is to be built in Dunfermline. It is a great location and it has been Amazon’s priority to secure a new site as close to the current Glenrothes fulfilment centre as possible in order to preserve and transfer the entire skilled workforce with all its experience and Amazon knowledge. Our decision to base this major expansion in Scotland, against stiff international competition, is due not only to the excellent local workforce but to the impressive professionalism of Scottish Development International.”

 

Amazon’s new fulfilment centre will be situated on a 39-acre site at Calais Muir South in Dunfermline, which was previously owned by Scottish Enterprise and Fife Council.

 

The fulfilment centre will be built on development land alongside the M90 near to the junction with the A92.

 

The new facility will offer 1 million-square-feet of space, built to Amazon’s specifications. It is expected work will begin on-site immediately and will be operational by the end of the year.