Amazon plans 500 job distribution center

The governor and Amazon today announced plans for a huge distribution center in Jackson County that will employ more than 500 people.

Amazon currently has more than 1,500 full-time employees in the state, officials said.

The new center, which will cover almost 14 acres of land in Braselton, is a validation of the state’s economic development policies, said Gov. Nathan Deal.

“Amazon’s decision to develop in Jackson County speaks to the strength and vitality of Georgia’s business-friendly environment,” said Deal. “This project further bolsters Georgia’s reputation as the nation’s number one state in which to do business.”

Today’s news follows a series of announcements about plans for similar facilities.

Since early May, the state’s Department of Economic Development has announced plans for a 300-job distribution and warehouse operation in Gwinnett County by ThredUP, a 110-job logistics and distribution center in Laurens County by Polymer Logistics, a 200-job facility in Atlanta by Keysight Technologies, a 1,000 job plant for Sparta Industries and a 500-job distribution center in Butts and Spalding Counties by Dollar General.

The announcement of the plans included statements of welcome from Jackson County Commission Chairman Tom Crow, Braselton Mayor Bill Orr and Chris Carr, commissioner of economic development.