Amazon Opens Massive AI-Powered Fulfillment Center in North Carolina
Amazon has officially opened its largest North Carolina fulfillment center near Wilmington, a massive 650,000-square-foot facility that spans more than 11 football fields. The new site, located on the New Hanover and Pender County line, is one of the company’s largest in the country and employs about 1,100 workers. The facility stands out for its use of artificial intelligence-powered robots, which handle the movement, sorting, and packing of orders. According to Josh Lingenfelser, the facility’s general manager, the operation is expected to run 25% to 30% more efficiently than Amazon’s previous Gen 11 facilities.
The advanced technology at the Wilmington center reduces processing times and has created 30% more skilled technical jobs, addressing concerns that robotics might eliminate human roles. Cameras mounted on the robots guide them through the building, showcasing Amazon’s latest and largest integration of artificial intelligence. The choice of Wilmington as the site was influenced by the lack of nearby Amazon robotics fulfillment centers and the growing demand in the area.
Local and state officials celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, held about a year and a half after construction began. North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley remarked, “We’re living in the future; you’re seeing it right here. This is what it looks like when commerce moves in this way, when you can make these investments.” The facility has been gradually ramping up operations since August and is capable of processing up to 1 million items per day.