BEAVER, W.Va. — Those living in West Virginia who order from Amazon may soon notice quicker arrival on their packages. Several dignitaries joined Amazon officials to cut the ribbon on the company’s new operations center in Beaver Wednesday. The opening came just a day after Amazon opened a similar facility in the community of Davisville in Wood County.
“I think it’s really signaling a comeback on what we’re doing here in West Virginia. As we keep working on all the fundamentals to get things better our state is becoming more and more attractive to so many people. We’re really excited because West Virginia is competing in a way it’s never seen before,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
“Amazon’s continued investment in West Virginia marks an important milestone for our state. These facilities in Davisville and Beaver represent more than just buildings – they’re a sign that West Virginia is growing and competing for major employers,” the Governor added.
The two facilities in Raleigh and Wood Counties will support around 500 jobs including Amazon employees and delivery drivers. Officials say small business will spring up to work with Amazon to forge a delivery relationship with the on-line retailer. The facilities are different from other Amazon delivery stations across the nation. Each also contains a small scale fulfillment operation on everyday essentials like household items, pet supplies, and other frequently ordered items. It could create same-day delivery for some items for many West Virginia customers of Amazon.
“Thank-you Amazon for what you have done. Thank-you for having the foresight to be in West Virginia and understand we want to work. We are loyal and we are wonderful employees,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito was on hand and suggested it was the perfect April Fool’s joke on her husband.
“Because my Amazon packages are going to get there quicker and I can get more of them delivered by West Virginians,” she laughed.
Morrisey said the state has been on quite a roll in recent months.
“Over the last six months, West Virginia has broken every record that existed from an economic development perspective. Over 12 and a half BILION dollars minimum of investment and over 11,000 jobs. All of those people who said it’s not happening, guess what it’s happening. West Virginia is coming back,” said Morrisey.
Amazon officials say the minimum pay for any employee a one of the two operations centers is $19/hour.