Amazon will put its latest robotics technology to work in a new fulfilment centre in Bolton, whose opening was announced this week. The centre, part of Amazon’s expansion of its fulfilment centre network in response to growing customer demand, will see Amazon robots in place alongside a 1,200 strong workforce.
Robots were first introduced to Amazon’s UK fulfilment centres last year. They slide under a tower of shelves stacked with products, lift it and move it through the centre. Amazon says: “Robots help speed order processing time and reduce walking by employees by moving the shelves to employees, reducing the time taken to stow items for sale or pick them for new customer orders.”
The retailer, ranked Elite in IRUK Top500 research, by using robots, it can also store 50% more items per square foot.
Amazon is now hiring staff for the centre, set to open in 2018. Some 1,200 people will work at the site, Amazon’s third in the North West, in roles from operations managers and engineers to HR and IT specialists.
“Our ability to expand in the North West of England is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce,” said Stefano Perego, Amazon’s director of UK customer fulfilment. “We are thrilled to begin recruitment for 1,200 new permanent roles in Bolton with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”
This week’s announcement comes the recent opening of Amazon fulfilment centres in Daventry, Doncaster, Warrington and Tilbury. The retailer is also to open a new centre at Severn Beach, Bristol next year, also featuring Amazon Robotics.
