Amazon has confirmed plans to close its first UK fulfilment centre, which first opened its doors in 1998.
The online retail giant announced its decision to shut the Marston Gate facility, located at Ridgmont, Brogborough, Bedfordshire, near junction 13 of the M1, following a comprehensive collective consultation process which started in January.
The closure will impact 500 employees, all of whom will be offered the opportunity to transfer to Amazon’s new, state-of-the-art building in Northampton or to other company locations.
Amazon acknowledged the Marston Gate site’s significant historical role within its operations.
“As our first UK fulfilment centre, nearly a billion items have been delivered from this site, and we’re immensely proud of everything the team has achieved,” a spokesperson stated.
The company highlighted that its new £500 million Northampton facility is designed to employ almost four times as many people, boasting cutting-edge technology and modern amenities.
“Individual consultations are now beginning, and our top priority is continuing to support our people during this process,” Amazon added, emphasising its commitment to its workforce during the transition.
A large Amazon sortation centre, which forms a separate part of its logistics business, is also based in Milton Keynes and is unaffected by the proposals.
The fulfilment centre in Northampton will employ around 2,000 workers by the end of the year.
It is scheduled to start operations in May and will be home to Amazon’s latest technology, including thousands of robots.