The company is already building distribution centers in Cleveland and Chattanooga. The Bradley County site is in the 22nd House District held by State Rep. Eric Watson.
Watson was singled out in May by Amazon Vice President of Global Public Policy Paul Misener for his strong support of the company in the fight over legislation that would require Amazon to collect sales tax on items sold within Tennessee. The legislation was withdrawn, but Watson expects the bill to resurface again in the next session. None of the three sites will collect sales tax.
“Amazon has fulfilled its commitment to open more facilities in Tennessee and provide good jobs to more Tennesseans in a time when the jobless rate is rising,” Watson said. “The company has kept its word and Tennessee should keep its word.”
Watson said any upcoming legislation requiring the company to collect sales taxes must pass through the House Judiciary Committee, which he chairs.
He said legislators sometimes submit bills with the intention of fixing a perceived problem at the expense of someone else. The question of whether or not Amazon should collect sales taxes could have statewide implications affecting other companies not held liable for collecting sales tax.
“Legislators need to be careful of the unintended consequences legislation against Amazon could have in their own districts,” Watson said.
Gov. Bill Haslam said in a press release the administration is pleased that new jobs are being grown in Tennessee.
The issue of exempting Amazon from state sales taxes has caused controversy, but Haslam has said he is committed to the deal struck by the previous administration to attract the world’s largest online retailer to the state.
“We’re delighted to be expanding our investment in Tennessee, bringing hundreds of additional jobs to the state,” said Dave Clark, vice-president, Amazon North American Operations. “We look forward to opening the doors at three new Amazon facilities in Tennessee this fall.”
Amazon is currently recruiting candidates for jobs at its Tennessee facilities. Full-time hourly openings include roles in picking, packing and receiving/shipping. Management roles include positions in operations, safety, human resources and technical support.
The Wilson County fulfillment center is slightly less than half the size of the two 1 million-square-foot fulfillment centers in Cleveland and Chattanooga. All three centers are expected to open sometime in the fall.
Total investment in Bradley County has been estimated at about $63 million. The company projects 400 full-time employees and up to 800 temporary jobs in peak holiday seasons.
Full-time employees will have medical and dental coverage. The company pays for vision, life insurance, disability insurance and vacations. Employees are offered annual stock grants and a 401(k) plan with a company match.
Candidates for hourly positions can apply online at www.amazonapplyonline.com/tenn or call 866-885-6277 for more information. Candidates for management positions can apply online at www.amazon.com/careers.
