Amazon is entering into an agreement for a new last-mile facility in Hot Springs, the Hot Springs Metro Partnership announced in a news release on Friday.
"This new facility will be approximately 35,500 square feet located along Central Avenue. Launch plans for this delivery station are in the very early stages, with renovations to the existing building scheduled to start in the coming weeks," the release said.
The release said last-mile facilities are the "final stops in Amazon's transportation network before packages are delivered to customers' doorsteps. Employees sort packages according to delivery routes who finish the shipping cycle by delivering goods like books, household items and toys."
"This last-mile facility will allow us to better serve customers in Hot Springs and the surrounding area," Jessica Breaux, senior manager of economic development for Amazon, said in the release. "We're grateful for our partnership with the Hot Springs chamber and the city of Hot Springs. We look forward to sharing more details about this facility in the future."
Amazon employs around 4,000 people in Arkansas and has invested $1.9 billion in compensation and infrastructure in the state since 2010. Most hourly employees in customer fulfillment and transportation earn between $17 and $28 per hour, the release said.
"We are beyond elated to welcome Amazon to Hot Springs," Gary Troutman, president/CEO of The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Hot Springs Metro Partnership, said in the release. "Their reputation proceeds themselves as a majorly-respected and admired global retailer, and we are thrilled to welcome them here to provide even more efficient last-mile service to the residents of our area."
"The city of Hot Springs and its citizens are overwhelmed with being selected by Amazon for the new Amazon last mile facility," Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe said in the release. "The Greater Hot Springs Community is an economic engine within southwestern Arkansas. Amazon has recognized this within their strategic plan and thus their investment within our community to better serve their customer base. Nearly all of us have received a delivery from Amazon. With their location of the last-mile facility here in Hot Springs, their service to their area customers will be enhanced."
"As one of the world's largest companies to select Hot Springs as a business site, others will take notice." McCabe added. "The Greater Hot Springs Community is open for business!"
"Garland County is excited at the opportunity offered by the placement of Amazon's last-mile facility in Hot Springs. The economic growth in our community is unsurpassed and this is more proof that we are a fantastic place to locate your business," County Judge Darryl Mahoney said in the release.
"Amazon is a household name and we are proud to be part of their grid for delivery. Our community is greeting Amazon with open arms and we look forward to future collaborations with those of similar status." Mahoney said. "Thank you, Amazon for choosing to be part of our machine."