Amazon announcing creation of tech hub in Detroit

The online retailer Amazon.com is to announce today that it plans to build a technology hub in downtown Detroit with the creation of more full-time technology jobs.

Amazon's announcement is set for 9:30 this morning at Cobo Center.

As part of its announcement, Amazon said it is donating $10,000 and 30 Amazon Fire tablets to the Carver STEM Academy program in the Detroit Public Schools. The academy offers students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade a curriculum rich in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

“We have a long-term plan to grow our presence in the great state of Michigan, and bring more full-time, high-tech jobs to the city of Detroit,” said Peter Faricy, vice president for Amazon Marketplace. “We have are focused on hiring in the state and look forward to being a part of the community, professionally and personally. Michigan is a rapidly growing technology corridor and we’re eager to bring the incredible local Detroit talent to Amazon.”

Amazon currently leases space on one floor in the 150 W. Jefferson office tower downtown where about 100 employees work on software development, engineering and advertising sales. Amazon will be expanding that space to multiple floors in early 2016 to create its tech hub but has not released an estimate on how many more employees it will hire there.

The expansion of the online retailer will continue and likely accelerate a trend downtown toward a greater tech presence. Quicken Loans now employs more than 10,000 workers downtown in a variety of tech-related roles, and the Quicken spin-off Rocket Fiber will soon launch the first pilot rollout of its high-speed Internet service. Such tech giants as Microsoft and Twitter have a presence downtown, as do numerous smaller tech-related companies including GalaxE Solutions, Level Eleven and Detroit Labs.

The expansion of Amazon at 150 W. Jefferson is likely to add to downtown's growing reputation as a tech hub where tech-savvy workers find employment.

“It’s exciting to see Amazon creating a presence in Detroit and I’m proud to have them here,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Amazon plans a commitment to developing talent, investing in high-tech jobs and keeping that talent in-state. This company will be a strong partner in growing our talented workforce and opening up these great opportunities.”

“We are excited to welcome Amazon to the city of Detroit,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “Having a global company establish a base in our city is another example of how more businesses are seeing Detroit as a good investment.”

To learn more about job opportunities with Amazon in Michigan, go to www.amazon.com/careers.

Contact John Gallagher: 313-222-5173 or gallagher@freepress.com