Commissioner Murman quoted in this Tampa Tribune article on Amazon:
BUSINESS NEWS
Amazon expanding capacity at new Ruskin facility
TAMPA — After just seven months in operation, Amazon has announced plans to double its operational capacity inside its 1 million-square-foot Ruskin fulfillment center. The company also plans to add plenty of full time jobs.
The new construction — new flooring, new levels, robotics and other technology — will allow the company to add millions of additional items at the Ruskin location to permit faster shipping to Amazon.com customers, company spokeswoman Nina Lindsey said. Similar expansions have been done at other Amazon warehouses, she said, adding that it’s all about getting merchandise to the customers as quickly as possible.
Because the Ruskin warehouse is one of Amazon’s newest, it uses all the latest technology, including robots that can pick up entire shelves and deliver merchandise to employees filling customers orders or stocking shelves in other areas.
The first items just shipped out of the new warehouse off of Interstate 75 at the end of September. Already, the plant employs more than 1,000 people. The expansion is initially expected to employ hundreds of construction workers and eventually lead to hundreds more full time jobs at the warehouse once the work is complete.
Lindsey said she could not give a completion date for the work, but said once it is done the company is planning an open house to which the community will be invited.
SouthShore Chamber Executive Director Melanie Morrison called the expansion great news for people seeking jobs in the area.
“Amazon continues to be a major driver of economic growth and job creation in Hillsborough County,” Morrison said.
Hillsborough County Commission Chairwoman Sandy Murman called Amazon “a complete catalyst for change in this area. “Oh, my gosh, I’m not even worried about the construction,” Murman said. “The more jobs they have available, the better it is for people here. So many new homes are being built and Hillsborough Community College is adding a whole new wing. Growth is outstanding in south county and these jobs will help.”
Allen Witt, president of the Hillsborough Community College SouthShore campus, called the news “an historic moment for our community. Amazon’s initial presence has already translated into new businesses, housing starts, employment and a sense of renewed excitement in our area. The impact of this expansion on area families and business is immeasurable,” he said.
As for what new merchandise will be added, Amazon is mum for now. The company has a program called Amazon Fresh, which includes grocery delivery, but Lindsey said that service is not yet available in Florida. As to whether it could be added to the Ruskin warehouse, she said “we haven’t made any announcements to that effect.”
Anyone interested in employment opportunities at the amazon warehouse can visit www.workatamazonfulfillment.com. Already, some positions are available, Lindsey said. “I encourage people to go to the website. It’s a very simple online application process.
