Amazon to Open Second Fulfillment Center in Joliet

JOLIET, IL — Amazon has announced plans to open a second fulfillment center in Joliet.

The move will create more than 2,000 full-time jobs at the facility in addition to the 1,500 full-time employees working at the existing facility, according to a press release from Amazon.

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Amazon employees at the new 700,000 square-foot Joliet fulfillment center will pick, pack and ship smaller items to customers like books, toys and electronics.

An email sent to Amazon inquiring about the location and open date for the center was not immediately returned, however Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk said he believes the second facility he will be located near the first one, which is at 401 E. Laraway Road.

"When they came in last year, they wanted to be up and rolling prior to Thanksgiving," O'Dekirk said. "I'd guess they'd be on a similar schedule."

O’Dekirk said he is excited about the second location.

“Their confidence in our community demonstrates that Joliet can attract the best employers in the e-commerce industry sector,” O’Dekirk said.

Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s vice president of North American operations, said an abundance of talent has been found in Joliet.

“This community and the elected officials throughout the city and state have been very supportive of Amazon and we thank them for helping make this possible,” Chauhan said.