APPLING, Ga. (WJBF) — More jobs are headed to the CSRA courtesy of Amazon. The company is building a new fulfillment center in Columbia County. Governor Brian Kemp says this means more than 800 new jobs.

There were some speculations in December about the project, and now those speculations have been put to rest. Amazon coming to the CSRA is considered to be the biggest project ever to come to Columbia County.

“This project represents the largest single investment and job creation in any commercial project we have announced,” said Robbie Bennett. “Today is a very good day for Columbia County.”

Amazon currently employs more than 3,500 full-time employees at several other Georgia facilities like Jefferson, East Point, Kennesaw, and Macon, to name a few. Columbia County is now on the list. The fulfillment center will be located at White Oak Business Park just along the other side of Club Car.

“We’re working on phase two of White Oak Business Park, “said Bennett. “We want to see that opportunity to come to fruition to provide the region even more job growth.”

Innovative robotics technology to pack and ship small customer orders such as books, toys, and small household goods will be featured in the new facility. The executive director for the Development Authority of Columbia County says during these times of uncertainty, those jobs are right on time.

“We’re seeing more people coming unemployed,” explained Bennett. “Hopefully, many of them will get back to work very soon. For those who don’t, we are optimistic that this will provide additional opportunities.”

The new facility will sit on more than 77.79 acres of land and will be five stories tall. Bennet says this region will benefit from a large-scale corporation like Amazon attached to it.

“This is going to have a phenomenal opportunity to catapult this region a little more, and this county,” said Bennett. “At the same time, as we work to grow our existing industry and recruit more prospects to the community.”

The new building should be nearing completion around the summer of 2021.

Photojournalist: Mark Gaskins

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – Online shopping giant Amazon is set to build its next fulfillment center in Appling.

The new, multi-level operations facility will feature ‘innovative Amazon robotics technology’ and create 800 new, full-time jobs for the area.

The facility is set to be located at White Oak Business Park.

The press release states that employees will work alongside Amazon’s innovative robotics technology to pick, pack and ship smaller customer orders, such as books, toys and small household goods.

In Georgia, Amazon currently employs more than 3,500 full-time employees at facilities in Jefferson, Braselton, Lithia Springs, East Point, Kennesaw, Macon and Union City.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp touted the choice to build the new facility in Columbia County as a testament to all that the state and the CSRA has to offer.

“I could not be more proud to welcome them to the Central Savannah River Area, and I am excited for the hardworking Georgians who will benefit from this new operation.”

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