GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Amazon is hiring for more than 1,000 full-time employees for its new fulfillment center in Kent County’s Gaines Township.

The Seattle-based online retail giant’s 850,000-square-foot facility is on the corner of 68th Street and Patterson Avenue SE, about four miles south of Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

“All Amazon employees — full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal — receive a $15/hour minimum wage," Amazon spokesperson Andre Woodson said in an email to MLive, about starting the hiring process on Monday, Feb. 10.

“This compensation is in addition to our industry-leading benefits package which includes comprehensive health, vision and dental insurance, a 401(k) with a 50% match, generous parental leave, and training for in-demand jobs through our Career Choice program for all full-time employees working in fulfillment centers across the U.S."

Job candidates must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered. All interested candidates can apply online at http://www.amazon.com/grandrapidsjobs.

In 2018, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $4 million performance-based grant to help Amazon open the new fulfillment center. Fulfillment centers are Amazon’s regional distribution centers.

Woodson said the associates will be picking, packing, and shipping customer orders in a highly technological environment. He said employees will also get to work alongside advanced technology and automation.

Gaines Township Supervisor Robert DeWard said the new facility benefits the entire region, serving as a catalyst for more businesses in the community and West Michigan. He said the opportunity for jobs will also draw more people to the area.

DeWard said the township is already attracting interest from new businesses, including restaurants, gas stations and warehouses because of Amazon.

“As someone who worked in Human Resources for 45 years, I know the value of providing employment to this many people," he said.

“This is a good opportunity for people with the salary and benefits. I am also hoping we can also provide jobs to a lot of marginalized people in the area having trouble getting employment."

In anticipation of the growth with Amazon and future businesses, DeWard is already planning for transportation and other needs.

For example, he said he has been bouncing ideas around with The Rapid and others about expanding the bus service to the 68th Street area that currently drops off at the Meijer at Kalamazoo and M-6 in Caledonia.

DeWard said local companies have benefited from Amazon’s $150 million investment in the facility. He said he asked the company to hire some local contractors for some of work and they did, including electricians, plumbers and asphalt companies.

The Amazon facility, located at 4500 68th St., could open in March or April, given Woodson told MLive the hiring process starts anywhere between one to two months prior to launch.

Prospective employees can indicate a shift preference and select an appointment time to attend an upcoming hiring event and orientation when they apply online. Shift schedules will vary. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.

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