((NETWORK INDIANA) An Amazon packaging center will open in Greenwood bringing about 1,250 new jobs.
The center will be about 615,000 square feet on Allen Road. That’s along the east side of I-65 near Graham Road. A proposed FedEx distribution center was planned at that location before the company backed out in March.
Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers had said Amazon was interested in Greenwood because the Allen Road location is right next to a major highway which connects Indianapolis, I-70, I-69 and I-74.
The jobs will pay an average of $14.65 an hour. With benefits, the hourly wage would be closer to $18 an hour. Council members approved two 10-year tax breaks on property taxes for the building and equipment.
The company plans to invest $45 million in real property improvements, as well as $35 million in equipment.
Amazon will start hiring people for the center this winter. It is supposed to open next September.
It is not the Amazon “HQ2,” for which Indianapolis is in the running.
Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers released this statement:
Greenwood is pleased to welcome Amazon to the community. It’s a strong sign for our city when the world’s second largest company chooses Greenwood to invest more than $80 million and $2 million in public infrastructure improvements. They plan to hire more than 1,250 people and pay them more than double the current minimum wage in Indiana. It’s a win-win for all involved, and we look forward to a promising future.