Amazon high-tech distribution center gets the green light to open in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH — Construction is finally finished on Amazon's massive new five-story robotic fulfillment center here.

The City of Daytona Beach recently issued a certificate of occupancy for the 2.8 million-square-foot high-tech distribution center at 2519 Bellevue Ave., confirmed city spokeswoman Susan Cerbone.

The largest distribution facility ever built in Volusia County is directly south of Daytona International Speedway on land once owned by NASCAR.

Now it's up to the Seattle-based e-commerce giant to decide when to begin operating it.

"The fulfillment center in Daytona Beach is anticipated to launch this year just in time for the holiday season," stated Amazon spokesman Greg Rios in an email. "Hiring for this facility will start two to three months before it officially opens."

Amazon last year kicked off its holiday shopping seasons specials when it held "October Prime Big Deal Days" on Oct. 8 and 9.

 

Amazon's newest facility is already showing signs of life

On Tuesday afternoon March 11, the vast parking lot for the Amazon robotic fulfillment center was quiet, but had roughly a dozen parked cars.

A few semitrucks, including at least one emblazoned with Amazon's smile logo, as well as some more parked cars, could be seen in the loading dock area behind the fulfillment center.

The front of the new building has both a main entrance as well as a separate entrance marked "Recruiting."

 

Amazon could be eyeing a summer opening in Daytona

Keith Norden, CEO of Team Volusia Economic Development Corp., said he heard the robotic fulfillment center could be opening as soon as this summer.

"That would make sense because it would give them time to ramp up before the holidays," said Norden, who got to tour the building as it was nearing completion last August.

Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu, who also went on the construction site tour, said she was told Amazon is looking to open the robotic fulfillment center this coming July.

"It's amazing," she said of the building.

Amazon is expected create 1,000 more jobs in Daytona

Daytona Beach as part of local economic development efforts to persuade Amazon to build the robotic fulfillment center here agreed to pay the company $4 million in performance-based economic incentives. The catch is that the online retailer must make good on its promise to create at least 1,000 jobs by 2028.

Amazon, which already operates three other distribution facilities in Volusia County, continually advertises job openings for positions such as delivery drivers and dock workers.

But in recent days, the company has posted openings on various employment websites for jobs in Daytona Beach that could be specific to the new robotic fulfillment center. They include its postings for "mechatronics and robotics technician," "reliability engineering lead," "reliability engineer," "equipment reliability specialist," and "senior maintenance operations manager." It is also looking to hire an "EHS (environmental health safety) specialist."

Norden said Amazon has committed to creating 1,000 jobs at its new robotic fulfillment center, but said, "I think it could be more."

Amazon already employs more than 1,500 in Volusia

Amazon employs at least 1,500 workers at its 1.4 million-square-foot "first mile" fulfillment center that opened in September 2020 at 2600 N. Normandy Blvd. in Deltona.

Amazon is expected to employ at least 300 more workers at its new nearly 1 million-square-foot "pre-first mile" distribution center across the street, according to Norden. The pre-first-mile facility was completed either late last year or early this year. It is not known whether Amazon has begun using it yet.

In addition, the 66,000-square-foot Amazon last-mile delivery station at 2400 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach is believed to employ several hundred workers, although some are employed by companies contracted to make deliveries on the e-commerce giant's behalf.

The Amazon last-mile delivery station in Daytona Beach opened in September 2019 and was the company's first distribution facility in Volusia County. With the completion of its robotic fulfillment center, it now has four.

The workers expected to be soon employed at the robotic fulfillment center could boost the company's total workforce in Volusia County to nearly 3,000.

"It says a lot about our community, the fact that they now have four (distribution) facilities here," said Norden.

Amazon bought the Daytona property for a record amount

Amazon set a new record for Volusia County history when it paid $393,877,200 to buy its robotic fulfillment center building and surrounding property in October.

The seller was Dallas, Texas-based developer Hillwood Communities, which acquired the land from NASCAR for $13.7 million in December 2021.

Purchasing the robotic fulfillment center property was an unusual move for Amazon, which typically leases its distribution centers even though they are built to its exacting standards by preferred developers. "Buying the (robotic fulfillment) facility shows their commitment to our area," said Norden.

Norden said his understanding is that Amazon may still be in the process of installing robotic equipment inside the new fulfillment center in Daytona Beach.

Daytona mayor: Amazon employment could lead to career advancement opportunities

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry said the addition of an Amazon robotic fulfillment center "means a lot for employment and offering people solid jobs. It's not Boeing, but it's a strong company that offers benefits."

The jobs Amazon creates can be stepping stones to even better paying jobs either within the company or elsewhere, said Cantu, who noted that the company recently announced a partnership with Daytona State College.

According to a news release issued by Daytona State College, Amazon, through its "Career Choice" program, offers "prepaid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language, high school diplomas, and GEDs after working for the company for 90 days."