Amazon’s Job Growth In MA Explodes With New Robotics Hub, But Few Jobs in RI

Amazon’s Job Growth In MA Explodes With New Robotics Hub, But Few Jobs in RI

This week Amazon has announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art robotics innovation hub and create 200 tech and advanced manufacturing jobs in Westborough, Massachusetts.

“We’re excited to grow our teams in Massachusetts and take advantage of the talent and regional connectivity that MetroWest offers. This will be a world-class facility, where our teams can design, build, program, and ship our robots, all under the same roof. This expansion will allow us to continue to innovate quickly and improve delivery speed for customers around the world,” said Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics’ Chief Technologist.

Now, Amazon says it has created over 4,000 full-time jobs in Massachusetts, and since 2011, invested more than $3 billion in the state, including infrastructure and compensation to its employees.

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Still, however -- nothing substantive in Rhode Island.  Rhode Island officials had gone, like nearly every other city and state in the country, for Amazon’s HQ2 — Amazon’s other headquarters.

See Rhode Island's proposal below

“We are pleased that Amazon plans to increase its substantial presence with a state-of-the-art robotics facility, creating 200 new jobs and employing over 4,000 skilled workers throughout the Commonwealth, furthering its continued investment in the state’s economic growth and development,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

The Innovation Hub

Opening in 2021, the company plans to invest more than $40 million in the new site to allow Amazon Robotics to continue to grow its engineering, manufacturing, support and test teams in the state.

“Industry leaders like Amazon continue to grow and expand in regional innovation economies like Westborough and across the MetroWest region, and we applaud their continued investment in robotics,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

The new 350,000 square feet facility, developed by Atlantic Management of Framingham, MA, will feature corporate offices, research and development labs, and manufacturing space and will be in addition to Amazon Robotics’ current site in North Reading — together serving as the company’s epicenter of robotics innovation.

Hundreds of Job Vacancies

Presently, Amazon lists over 450 full-time job vacancies. The company is endlessly hiring in the Commonwealth. Amazon has more than 200 vacancies in software development in Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, Amazon has nine full-time job vacancies.

These Massachusetts numbers do not include the new robotics initiative.

Amazon's Fall River warehouse facility has additional vacancies 5 full-time and four part-time.