Amazon distribution center to bring additional jobs to city

Aug. 27, 2019 | Danielle Eaton
daniellee@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE – An Amazon Distribution Center will be among the businesses’ in Holyoke this fall.

The city announced the new distribution center and partnership in a press release on Aug. 22. The news release, posted on the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, named the site of the distribution center as the former Paolo Freire Social Justice Charter School, and Atlas Copco on 161 Lower Westfield Rd.

The incoming distribution center will bring with it hundreds of jobs. As part of Amazon’s agreement with Holyoke, the company will be hiring and training local workers for both full time and part time positions with wages starting at $15 an hour.

Kevin McCaffrey, Chair of the Board for the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, told Reminder Publishing, “The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce joins Mayor Morse and other civic leaders in welcoming Amazon to Holyoke.”

He said, “Amazon’s decision demonstrates yet again the city’s – and the Pioneer Valley’s – many strengths as a place for business growth. Our location at a key transportation nexus, our low cost power and other amenities, our rich history as a manufacturing, business, and education center, our committed workforce  – all of these factors make Holyoke and the Valley a great place for business growth and development. We look forward to welcoming the new Amazon Distribution Center.”

The company currently offers their full-time employees benefits such as medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k), and maternal and paternal leave.

Currently, Holyoke is working with Amazon representatives to coordinate a hiring event before the distribution center officially opens.

Holyoke Mayor, Alex Morse, said, “As mayor, I am encouraged by Amazon’s commitment to hire locally, provide hundreds of living-wage jobs, and strengthen our tax base. The distribution center will continue to help Holyoke grow and diversify our economy while providing job opportunities to residents.”

Share this: