Workers pack orders on the warehouse floor at the Amazon UK Fulfilment Centre in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Online retail giant Amazon is bringing its in-house delivery service to Northern Ireland leading to the creation of almost 150 new jobs.

Amazon Logistics will set up shop in Carrickfergus, and begin delivery in Northern Ireland as early as next week.

It's creating 18 new jobs at its base outside the Co Antrim town, while four separate delivery companies which Amazon will use, have also hired a further 130 staff as a result of the deal.

Amazon says it's extending its delivery network to Northern Ireland and will work with four independent delivery companies to deliver orders to its customers.

The company has been operating its Amazon Logistics delivery service elsewhere in the UK since 2012.

It says it “empowers independent local, regional and national delivery companies across the UK to deliver Amazon parcels to customers every day of the week”, including on Sunday.

Amazon will be based at Kilroot Business Park. It's understood McConnell Chartered Surveyors and Lisney acted on behalf of the park to secure the deal.

It's understood the company has been advertising for staff over the last few weeks, and currently has an advert for a shift manager, to be based at Carrickfergus, on its own recruitment site.

A spokesman for Amazon said it is “employing 18 people directly at the new delivery station in Kilroot Business Park, Carrickfergus, which opens next week”.

“In addition, four independent, regional delivery companies have hired more than 130 drivers who will deliver parcels from this new delivery station to Amazon customers across Northern Ireland”.

Jamie Stephenson, UK director for Amazon Logistics, said: “Amazon Logistics adds capacity and flexibility to Amazon’s delivery network, enabling us to meet the delivery needs of customers.

“Amazon Logistics is also helping independent local delivery companies to grow their businesses by providing state-of-the art technology to deliver Amazon orders.”

Belfast Telegraph