The 855,000 square foot fulfillment centre – dubbed YHM1, given its proximity to the airport in Mount Hope – will create close to 1,500 new jobs. Pictured: Amazon associates discuss the facility’s robotic technology at the grand opening, Tuesday, Apr. 19, 2022. Photo credit: Amazon Canada
Earlier this week, Amazon Canada officially opened its newest fulfillment centre across from John C. Munro International Airport in Mount Hope, Hamilton.
The company’s “most advanced robotics facility” in the country to date, the 855,000 square foot sorting warehouse will create approximately 1,500 new jobs, most of which will be full-time, include benefits, and start at $18.70 per hour.
“This new facility in Hamilton is the company’s most advanced facility in our network today, and it’s the 1,500 employees that really make this place spectacular,” said Amazon Canada regional director Vibhore Arora. “Robotics technology helps extend the reach and capability of our team in a manner that makes tasks easier and more efficient, and make our fulfillment centres safer and more collaborative.”
The new facility utilizes the latest in machine learning technology to streamline and make the sorting process more secure.
The facility has the capacity to store upward of 27 million units and potential to serve around 325,000 customers per day.
Employees will pick, pack, and ship customer orders such as books, toys, and housewares from the Mount Hope site.
“On behalf of all residents of Hamilton, I am very happy to welcome Amazon to our community,” said MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook Donna Skelly. “It has been my pleasure to work hand-in-hand with the Amazon team every step of the way to bring jobs and investments to Hamilton.”
In addition to the south Hamilton site, Amazon Canada also opened a 50,000 square foot delivery station in Stoney Creek last fall.
Both local facilities are part of the company’s rapid expansion across Ontario.
By the end of 2023, the province will be home to a total of 19 Amazon Canada sites, including the two in Hamilton, representing 7,500 jobs.
“This expansion is great news for Amazon, and for Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement. “Ontario is the best jurisdiction in Canada for businesses to operate, with our world class workforce and commitment to job creation. We are thrilled that Amazon has chosen to deepen their presence in Ontario and we look forward to seeing their growth here continue even further.”
According to Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli, the current provincial government has reduced the cost of doing in business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion annually since taking office, making the province more appealing to outside investors.
“Our government has created the right economic conditions to attract major investments like this one from Amazon,” said Minister Fedeli. “Thanks to Amazon for their investment in thousands of new jobs and opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses across Ontario as we work together towards post-pandemic economic growth.”
To celebrate Tuesday’s opening, Amazon Canada also donated $25,000 to FIRST Robotics Canada, an organization focused on engaging young people in mentor-based programs that build STEM skills.
The donation will help FIRST Robotics implement STEM-related programs in 10 schools across Canada, including Hamilton’s St. Mary Secondary School.
“It’s absolutely critical to have kids and youth thinking about their future and inspiring them to become positive leaders in STEM fields. We are grateful for the increased support from Amazon Canada,” said president of FIRST Robotics Canada Dave Ellis. “These funds will allow students to compete in FIRST programs, build robots, and solve real-world problems while also providing them with invaluable skills for life.”
The Mount Hope fulfillment centre represents one of the largest local investments in terms of square footage in the city’s history.
Amazon Canada initially announced construction of the 855,000 square foot facility back in September 2020, almost exactly three years after the City of Hamilton put together an ultimately unsuccessful bid to make Steeltown Amazon’s new North American headquarters.
