Amazon will be opening two delivery stations in London, Ont., later this year, with more than 100 employees each plus 130 “driver opportunities,” the company confirmed in a statement to Global News.
The London Economic Development Corporation says Amazon will be using two warehouse spaces in the city’s northeast end near the airport.
“It’s welcome news to have 200 plus positions with a major brand name being created in London. We are working with Amazon on their hiring needs over the coming months. It’s a wonderful sign as our region prepares for post-COVID recovery,” LEDC president Kapil Lakhotia said in an email.
Mayor Ed Holder says one of the buildings will open in July and the other in October. He added that Amazon’s interest in London is the latest example showcasing the value of the city.
The warehouses could be just the start of Amazon’s interest in the region, however, with the London Free Press reporting word from sources is that the technology giant is planning to house a massive sorting and distribution centre at the former Ford Motor Company assembly plant site in Talbotville.
Amazon would only say it is “not yet commenting” on specific operations plans in Talbotville.
Holder was unable to confirm the reports but says “should this come to pass” it would be amazing for London.
“You’ve got employees living in St. Thomas, for example, who work in London and vice versa,” Holder said.
“The relationship between London and Middlesex County and the broader region is critical.”
Paul Jenkins, CEO of St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, was also unable to confirm the reports but noted that the location “is one of the most incredible industrial properties in the entire province.”
“All the attributes that encouraged Ford to set up a plant there in the first place are quite honestly there,” he said, referencing the population of the region, the proximity to Highway 401 and the existing infrastructure.
“To have that investment and to see something re-emerge from the great legacy that Ford left in our community would be incredible.”
Jenkins says he’s waiting with “anticipation and excitement about who’s going to make that investment.”