Amazon is set to shut down a fulfilment center in Milton Keynes, affecting 590 jobs. The closure is part of a strategic move by the company, which is offering affected employees the option to transfer to a new facility in Northampton or to other locations. The upcoming Northampton site, worth £500 million, is expected to open in May and will initially hire 1,400 workers, with plans to increase the workforce to 2,000.
However, Amazon’s sortation center in Milton Keynes, a separate division of its logistics operations, will remain operational and unaffected by the closure. An Amazon spokesperson emphasized that the decision to close the fulfilment center is part of the company’s ongoing effort to optimize its network to better align with business needs and enhance both employee and customer experiences.
In a separate development, Amazon has initiated test drone flights as it prepares to launch its airborne delivery service in the UK by 2026. The company has started limited drone flights from its base in Darlington, with plans to offer drone delivery services for eligible customers in the area, allowing for the rapid delivery of packages weighing less than five pounds within a two-hour timeframe.
The drones have been designed to operate quietly, with noise levels comparable to traditional van deliveries. Advanced onboard systems enable the drones to detect and avoid obstacles during flight, ensuring safe and efficient deliveries. Amazon is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and safety standards for the drone delivery service.
This move represents a significant milestone in Amazon’s innovation and commitment to enhancing its delivery capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide faster and more efficient services to customers.