Amazon follows up Republic project with Springfield plans

As construction on a distribution center continues in Republic, Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) has announced an additional delivery station coming to Springfield.

The planned “AMXL” facility allows Amazon to expand its service of delivering large items, such as couches or televisions, according to a news release.

“The investment into the buildout of our network means we can deliver a greater selection of items to our customers,” said Travis Autery, a general manager for Amazon, in the release.

The Springfield site is identified as 2960 N. Martin Ave., and it’s slated to open in March following a February opening of the same type of facility in Joplin.

The planned Springfield facility in the Partnership Industrial Center was most recently occupied by Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co., according to past coverage.

A commercial renovation permit was filed in Springfield for 2960 N. Martin Ave. the week of Aug. 29, 2020.

Between them, the two delivery stations will create hundreds of part-time jobs paying at least $15 per hour starting wage, according to the release.

Amazon currently is constructing a 1.3-million-square-foot fulfillment and distribution center in Republic that is expected to create more than 500 new jobs when it opens later this year, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Amazon also currently operates a fulfillment center in St. Peters, a sorting center in Hazelwood and three delivery stations in Hazelwood and Kansas City. Between 2010 and 2019, Amazon officials say the company has invested over $780 million in Missouri, including infrastructure and employee compensation.