Amazon to open distribution center in Shafter

Amazon is opening a distribution center in Shafter, making it the second Amazon facility to open in Kern County.

The new center will be in the Wonderful Industrial Park and is expected to open later this year, bringing 1,000 jobs to the area. Amazon opened a facility in Bakersfield last year.

"Amazon is excited to make this investment in Kern County that will support local economic development and help us deliver to our growing number of customers in the region. As we continue to grow in California, we are contributing to the economic recovery in the Southern California and across the state," said Jordan Nelson, director of Regional Operations for Amazon.

The distribution centers are responsible for sorting, packaging and shipping orders.

The center will be over 1 million square feet and bring around 1,000 jobs with a starting salary of $15 an hour. Amazon officials have not said how many of the jobs will be full time and how many will be part time. Full-time positions include benefit packages. Amazon will also be hiring for roles in human resources, operations management, safety, security, finance, and information technology. The company offers up to 20 weeks of maternal and parental paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families.

According to Business Development Director Bob Meadows, the fiber optic network that the city has, which is the only one of its kind in all of Kern County, is a major draw, as well as its desirable location and its rail facilities.

"Shafter has a lot of assets that these companies are looking for, making us a great destination for those in need of perfect pipeline from the major cities to the north and the south," he said.

The plots in the Wonderful Industrial Park are built as "shells." These shells are starting points for prospective businesses who want an existing building to modify the inside and not build from scratch.

Mayor Cathy Prout said that Shafter has remained competitive and in a strong position for major companies.

"During unprecedented times, cities nationwide are dealing with economic growth or the negative impacts these challenging times bring," she said. "For Shafter, this is not the case. We remain competitive and continue to welcome new businesses, such as Amazon, who are eager to pursue success and bring new jobs to Shafter."