Amazon is significantly expanding its logistics network in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, with plans to create approximately 1,200 new jobs through two major real estate developments. The expansion includes a newly leased warehouse in Bolingbrook and a large-scale sorting facility planned for Wilmington.
These moves underscore the continued demand for industrial real estate in the region, driven by the growth of e-commerce. The new facilities are expected to bolster the company's delivery and sorting capabilities, impacting the local economy and labor market.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon plans to add approximately 1,200 new jobs in the southwest Chicago suburbs.
- The company leased a 575,000-square-foot warehouse in Bolingbrook, creating 200 jobs.
- A new, large sorting facility is planned for Wilmington, which could add over 1,000 more positions.
- The expansion highlights the strength of the industrial real estate market in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Bolingbrook Facility to Add 200 Jobs
Amazon has finalized a lease for a substantial warehouse located at 775 Veterans Parkway in Bolingbrook. The facility spans 575,000 square feet, providing significant space for the company's distribution operations.
The company has confirmed that this new site will create around 200 jobs. Hiring for these positions is expected to be completed by the end of next year, adding to Amazon's already extensive workforce in Illinois.
The Bolingbrook location is strategically positioned within a key logistics corridor, offering access to major transportation routes that serve the greater Chicago area and the Midwest. This new lease fills a large industrial space, reflecting the low vacancy rates for modern warehouse facilities in the suburbs.
The I-55 Corridor: A Logistics Hub
The area surrounding Bolingbrook, particularly along Interstate 55, is a critical hub for national distribution and logistics. Its proximity to major highways, rail lines, and a large population center makes it an attractive location for e-commerce and retail companies looking to optimize their supply chains.
Major Sorting Center Planned for Wilmington
In addition to the Bolingbrook warehouse, Amazon is advancing plans for a much larger project in Wilmington, a city further southwest in Will County. This development involves the construction of a massive new sorting facility designed to handle a high volume of packages.
While details are still emerging, the Wilmington project is expected to be a significant driver of employment in the area. Projections suggest the facility could bring upwards of 1,000 new jobs to the far southwest exurban community.
Sorting centers are a crucial component of Amazon's logistics network. They function as intermediate hubs where packages from larger fulfillment centers are sorted by destination before being sent to smaller delivery stations. The scale of this proposed facility indicates a major investment in the company's regional infrastructure.
Employment Impact
With the addition of these 1,200 jobs, Amazon continues its role as one of the largest private employers in Illinois. The new positions in Bolingbrook and Wilmington will offer a range of roles typical of logistics facilities, from sorting and packing to management and technical support.
Industrial Real Estate Market Remains Strong
Amazon's latest expansion is a clear indicator of the robust health of the Chicago area's industrial real estate market. The demand for large, modern warehouse and distribution space has remained high, even as other commercial real estate sectors face uncertainty.
Several factors contribute to this trend:
- E-commerce Growth: The sustained shift toward online shopping requires companies to have extensive and efficient logistics networks.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Businesses are increasingly looking to position inventory closer to customers to enable faster delivery times.
- Strategic Location: The Chicago area's central location in the United States makes it a natural hub for national distribution.
The lease in Bolingbrook and the planned construction in Wilmington represent significant absorption of industrial space. These projects not only create jobs directly but also generate economic activity through construction, transportation, and support services.
Economic Implications for the Southwest Suburbs
The infusion of 1,200 jobs is expected to have a noticeable economic impact on Bolingbrook, Wilmington, and surrounding communities. For Wilmington, a city with a smaller population, the addition of 1,000 jobs represents a substantial boost to the local labor market.
This expansion provides employment opportunities but also places new demands on local infrastructure, including roads and public services. Local officials will likely work with the developer to manage the increased traffic and activity associated with such large-scale industrial operations.
For job seekers, these developments offer new pathways to employment with a major global company. The roles are critical to the modern economy, supporting the e-commerce ecosystem that consumers have come to rely on. As Amazon continues to build out its physical footprint, the southwest suburbs are solidifying their position as a vital center for logistics in the Midwest.
