Just west of Salt Lake City International Airport, there is nothing but dirt and sagebrush. But that will soon change as an 855,000 square-foot Amazon distribution center will make its new home in the northwest quadrant of Salt Lake City.
Peter Makowski, the business recruitment and retention manager for Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development, said the new facility will create 1,500 full-time jobs for Utahns, which will allow for more employment opportunity in the city.
With new opportunities on the horizon for Utah residents, Makowski hopes the jobs provided by Amazon will increase the quality of life for people.
“Even though we have low unemployment, I think we have many people in our community who are experiencing underemployment,” he said. “So with Amazon coming to our community, they are bringing obviously all these new jobs and hoping that we can give our residents more options on the employment front. And Amazon is definitely a great employer and it will be a great option for those either looking for work or looking to change jobs.”
As Amazon will gain additional shipping employers, Makowski said the new jobs will allow customers across the western United States with faster delivery time. He said the location for the distribution center was picked strategically as it is conveniently located near the airport, the Union Pacific Railroad Co. and connecting interstates.
“We’re definitely looking forward to the service they are going to be providing our state,” Makowski said. “I think they are cutting edge and leading edge in retail throughout the world.”
The distribution center is set to be completed and in operation by next spring or summer.
