Amazon’s New 40-Acre Facility Expected To Bring Jobs, Economic Growth

Amazon is expanding its presence in Tulsa with a new sorting facility. The 40-acre facility is expected to bring more than 200 new jobs to Tulsa.

Amazon is already moving dirt and putting up walls for its new sortation center. The center is being built on property owned by Tulsa International Airport, making the center a $32 million investment in not only the city, but the airport as well.

"It's a very big deal! Not only does it bring jobs, but it brings more of a solid foundation for Amazon in the Tulsa area," said Jonathan Gobbo, who is the director of real estate for the airport. He said this investment will give the airport more revenue options.

"If COVID taught us anything, it's that the more we diversify, the better we can be to be self-sustaining through times that the airlines might have troubles," Gobbo said. 

The sortation center works as the middleman between their fulfillment center and getting the packages to people's doorstep.

"It will expedite the speed at which they're able to deliver products to people in this region of the country," said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. He said Amazon chose Tulsa because they've already invested in the city, Tulsa's workforce, and its location. 

"As we continue to demonstrate that this is a great place to do business with a great workforce company like Amazon, others grow and continue their interest in investing here and our community," Bynum said.

The sortation center is Amazon's third investment in Tulsa, coming after the fulfillment center, and selecting Tulsa to test the Amazon's electric delivery vehicles.

Amazon said it plans to complete the facility by the holidays. They will start hiring this summer.