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CARVANA to locate $40 million fulfillment center in Bessemer, create 450 jobs
CARVANA to locate $40 million fulfillment center in Bessemer, create 450 jobs
Carvana has announced plans to build a new $40 million distribution and fulfillment center off Morgan Road in Bessemer, creating some 450 new jobs in the Marvel City.
“First, I want to welcome Carvana to Bessemer,” said Mayor Kenneth Gulley. “We’ve enjoyed tremendous success when it comes to recruiting companies to our city, whether it be Dollar General in 2011 or most recently Amazon.
“We’re tremendously excited about Carvana joining this growing list of companies, especially because Carvana will be creating jobs that will offer great wages and benefits that will afford residents of Bessemer an opportunity to work hard and provide a great life for their families.”
The Bessemer City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening, October 5, on an incentive package that will help lure the e-commerce company to the city. Carvana is known as the fastest-growing auto retailer in the U.S.
Carvana’s Bessemer hub will handle fulfillment activities for Alabama and surrounding states, and it will coordinate with similar facilities as the company moves inventory across the nation. The center will also house inspection, maintenance and photography functions critical to delivering the exceptional customer experience Carvana has become known for.
Jobs at Carvana are expected to have an average annual salary of more than $35,000.
Officials from around the state of Alabama issued statements related to the company’s decision to locate in Bessemer.
“We have been working hard to position Alabama as prime destination for fast-growing e-commerce companies needing a first-class infrastructure network for their distribution operations” Governor Kay Ivey said in a press release. “We are thrilled that Carvana has selected Bessemer for its newest state-of-the-art distribution hub and look forward to building a partnership with this innovative company.”
Officials in Jefferson County also welcomed the news.
“Adding 400 jobs in the Bessemer area in addition to Amazon is really changing the business landscape not just for Jefferson County but for the entire region,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jimmy Stephens. “Carvana is a forward-looking company that is looking at the business of selling cars in a different way.”
Jeff Traywick, vice-president of economic development for the Birmingham Business Alliance, said the metro area’s western region continues to see increased attention from companies in the e-commerce and logistics sectors.
“This project is further evidence that the area’s strong infrastructure, central location in the southeastern United States and our quality workforce makes our region an excellent choice for companies looking to grow in the South,” Traywick said. “We are excited about Carvana’s selection of Bessemer for this new facility and look forward to their continued success.”
