Amazon Fulfillment Centers now employ more than 2,000

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, and Congressman John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, were among a large contingent of elected leaders and community and media members who toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center at the Gateway Commerce Center today in Edwardsville. The rare tour was held to thank the community for Amazon’s success at the location. Amazon has a second center at the Lakeville Commerce Center, also in Edwardsville. Between the two sites, the plants now employ more than 2,000 total people, working in shifts around the clock. The center’s manager, Jason Speedy, is shown to the right. Original projections last year said Amazon would be employing closer to 1,000, but business has steadily climbed in the time since, the managers said Thursday. Hiring continues at the centers.

Illinois Business Journal/Dennis Grubaugh