Amazon’s multi-million dollar expansion in Delaware

Amazon.com, Inc. plans to invest $90 million to open a new one million square foot fulfillment center in Middletown.

The online retailer finalized the plan late Friday.

“We welcome Amazon’s expansion in Delaware, which will mean a significant number of jobs for many skilled and talented Delawareans who want to get to work,” said Governor Jack Markell. “The company’s expansion is a credit to the hard work taking place throughout the state to attract top-notch employers.”

The Middletown facility will be Amazon’s second fulfillment center in Delaware, and is expected to create 850 new jobs. That number, according to the state, is in addition to the hundreds of full time workers the company employs at its 200-thousand square foot facility in New Castle. 

“We look forward to opening our second facility in Delaware this year, creating more than 850 new jobs in the state,” said Dave Clark, vice president, global customer fulfillment. “We’re grateful to state, county and local leaders who have committed to Amazon jobs and investment.”

In December, the Delaware Economic Development Office awarded Amazon close to $3.5 million from the Delaware Strategic Fund to support the expansion. Of which, DEDO says about $2 million will help create new jobs at the site. 

Additionally, Amazon was awarded a separate grant for up to $4 million from the Delaware New Jobs Infrastructure Fund. The fund was established this fiscal year to subsidize renovation, construction and improvement to roads and related infrastructure to attract new businesses to the state and for the expansion of existing Delaware businesses.

“Fourteen years ago, Amazon chose Delaware for its first East Coast fulfillment center,” said DEDO Director Alan Levin. “The company’s expansion in Delaware is a testament to that fact, and a result of a positive, collaborative effort between the state and the town of Middletown.”

DEDO says Amazon will also receive a real estate tax abatement from the town of Middletown for the next 10 years.

“We are truly excited Amazon has selected Middletown as its new home,” said Middletown Mayor Kenneth Branner. “This project is a win-win all around, for the town of Middletown and the state of Delaware. The new jobs would be a jump start to our economy and bring additional employment growth to our area.”

Amazon’s new facility will be located on Classic Drive near Levels Road, and is expected to be complete this fall.