Amazon is coming to West Michigan after all. After online retail giant Amazon rejected Grand Rapids as a potential site for the company’s second headquarters, the company plans to invest $150 million in a new fulfilment center just south of Grand Rapids in Gaines Township--a move that promises 1000 new jobs with full benefits and a 95 percent tuition reimbursement for employees.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after approving state grants that will give Amazon $4 million in up front good faith money. The move is believed to have sweetened the deal for Amazon and win the distribution center over Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.
Local non-profit economic developer The Right Place, who put together the rejected 2nd headquarters proposal, issued this statement from president and CEO Birgit Klohs,
“The Right Place is pleased to work on the proposed Gaines Township Amazon fulfillment center, this critical approval from the MEDC brings this project one step closer to reality.”
The fulfillment center will be built on 1000 acres of land currently owned by Steelcase near 68th and Patterson Ave, and just south west of the Switch Pyramid.