Amazon is considering Greenwood for a rare packaging center.
The major online retailer announced Monday evening it is considering opening a “receive center” in a 615,000-square-foot facility on Allen Road, where a proposed FedEx distribution center was planned before the company backed out in March.
This distribution center would be one of only a handful in the country, Amazon’s Economic Development Manager Ryan Wilson told city council members.
Mayor Mark Myers said it’s not a done deal yet. Greenwood is still competing with one other community, he said.
If Greenwood is chosen, the facility would bring 1,250 full-time jobs that pay an average of $14.65 an hour. With benefits, the hourly wage would be closer to $18 an hour. Benefits would start on day one of employment, Wilson said.
Council members approved two 10-year tax breaks on property taxes for the building and equipment.
The company plans to invest $45 million in real property improvements, as well as $35 million in equipment.
The lease, which has not yet been signed, is longer than the abatements, Wilson said, so the company would have a presence in Greenwood for a long time.
