The company has already begun recruiting for the centre, with vacancies including management, engineering, human resources and IT specialist roles. Recruitment for team members who will pick, pack and ship customer orders will begin in the coming weeks.
Rugby MP Mark Pawey said: “I was very pleased to learn that such a substantial and well-known business as Amazon had chosen Rugby for their new fulfilment centre.
“The decision demonstrates the ever-increasing strength of our thriving local economy and the confidence that business has in our area.”
The Rugby site will be the fourth fulfilment centre in the Midlands, joining Amazon’s centres in Coalville, Daventry and Rugeley.
£6.4bn investment
It forms part of the company’s £6.4bn investment in UK-based research and development, head office and fulfilment and logistics infrastructure since 2010.
Stefano Perego, Amazon’s director of UK customer fulfilment, added: “We are delighted to expand our operations in the Midlands where we already have a dedicated workforce of more than 2,500 people at fulfilment centres.
“We are thrilled to begin recruitment in Rugby, with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”
Additionally, the online retailer plans to open three further fulfilment centres this year in Bristol, Bolton and Coventry.
Commenting on Amazon’s plans, Julian Wild, partner at business consultancy Rollits, told Food Manufacture food and drink processors should not ignore the company’s rapid growth in the UK.
‘Major force’
“It is clear that Amazon have big plans in food & drink and they are a major force in online retail,” said Wild.
“Inevitably, doing business with Amazon will be very competitive and manufacturers will have to face up to that or decide not to get involved.”
If you’re looking to take the next step in your food and drink career, check out the latest vacancies at FoodManJobs.
Meanwhile, in October, Amazon planned to create 1,200 permanent jobs at a new fulfilment centre in Bolton, to open this year. The centre will take the number of permanent jobs created by the online retailer in the north west of England to more than 3,500.