Benjamin Millar
By Benjamin Millar
More than 300 new jobs will be delivered to the Melton area when global retail giant Amazon Australia opens a huge new local distribution centre next year.
Amazon Australia announced on Friday it will open a second Melbourne fulfilment centre in Ravenhall in late 2021, creating around 200 jobs during construction and 300 ongoing roles on completion.
The new centre in Dexus’ Horizon 3023 estate will be 37,000 square metres – almost double the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground – and capable of holding up to six million items.
The new centre will be Victoria’s second Amazon site, joining Dandenong South, and helping Amazon more than double its local operating footprint.
Amazon Australia operations director Craig Fuller said the new site will enable Amazon to expand its range and speed up shipping to local customers.
“We’re proud to have played a unique role in supporting our Victorian customers during this unprecedented time, helping them to get the items they need for their families without leaving their homes,” he said.
“Furthermore, we are dedicated to enriching and giving back to the communities in which we operate and we look forward to working with Melton City Council, and the surrounding schools and local community groups to create impactful community programs.”
Melton council chief executive Kelvin Tori said having Amazon in Ravenhall would benefit all involved, including local residents.
“Amazon’s decision to base its new fulfilment centre here makes great business sense and is a massive win for local jobs growth,” he said.
“To have an industry leader and major employer like Amazon invest in the City of Melton demonstrates the outstanding opportunities our city’s prime location and highly skilled workforce provides.
“As one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, it’s investment like this that will strengthen our economy and help ensure more local families can find work close to home.”
Economic Development Minister Tim Pallas said Amazon’s investment in a second fulfilment centre is providing welcome new job opportunities in a suburban growth area.
“We welcome this investment as a clear indicator of confidence in the state and attracting investment from significant global companies, such as Amazon, is critical to drive our economic recovery,” he said.
