| Next-generation robotics facility and adjacent delivery station mark Amazon’s first direct-to-consumer operations in southeastern North Carolina
WILMINGTON, N.C. – October 5, 2026 – Today, Amazon celebrated the grand opening of its first-ever operations facility in the Cape Fear region, hosting state and local leaders, including Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, North Carolina Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee, Pender County Commission Chair Randy Burton, and Wilmington Business Development CEO Scott Satterfield, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and behind-the-scenes tour in Wilmington. The facility brings Amazon’s first direct-to-consumer fulfillment and delivery capabilities to the Wilmington area, creating more than 1,000 full-time jobs, with competitive pay and benefits starting on day one. Amazon also launched a nearby delivery station, bringing an additional 100+ full-time jobs to the region. 
“Amazon is investing in the people, infrastructure, and opportunities that help our state thrive,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From expanding to five rural delivery networks to opening its first fulfillment center in the Cape Fear region, Amazon is creating good jobs, bringing innovative technology to our communities, and helping connect families and businesses across the state.”
The facility is one of Amazon’s next-generation fulfillment centers, operating the latest and largest integration of AI, robotics, and automation Amazon has deployed in its facilities. The technology reduces fulfillment processing times by up to 25% compared to previous facility designs and has created 30% more skilled technical roles in areas like reliability, maintenance, and engineering. Employees work alongside robotic systems at ergonomic workstations designed to improve safety and reduce repetitive tasks.
“What you see inside this facility is the future of how we deliver for customers,” said Holly Sullivan, Vice President of Economic Development at Amazon. “But the technology is only part of the story. Behind every robot is a team of employees building careers, learning new skills, and growing with Amazon. We’re grateful to the state and local leaders who helped make this possible, and we’re proud to bring Amazon’s first direct-to-consumer operations to the Cape Fear region.”
When Amazon joins a community, it strives to be more than just a place of work. To demonstrate its commitment to the Cape Fear region, Amazon announced a $20,000 donation to The Forward Fund, an organization that invests in students to enroll, graduate, and attain high-wage employment while helping local employers find the skilled talent they need in the Wilmington area. Last year, Amazon has donated more than $10 million to community organizations across North Carolina, supporting local nonprofits, schools, and workforce development programs.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $20 billion in North Carolina, including infrastructure and compensation to employees, and has created more than 26,000 full- and part-time jobs. Earlier this year, Amazon expanded its rural delivery network with five new delivery stations in Tarboro, Jacksonville, Southern Pines, Mount Airy, and Hayesville, bringing more than 700 jobs to communities across the state. These investments support an additional 20,000+ indirect jobs in fields like construction and professional services, and have contributed more than $20 billion to the North Carolina GDP.
To learn more about working at an Amazon facility, visit www.amazondelivers.jobs.
Click here photos & interviews from today’s event.
To see the journey of an Amazon package, click here.
Additional quotes from community leaders:
“Amazon’s continued investment in North Carolina is a testament to the strength of our state and its workforce. I look forward to seeing the impact this new facility will bring to our economy and to the Wilmington community,” said U.S. Senator Thom Tillis.
“When companies invest in North Carolina, it’s our communities that benefit. By opening its largest fulfillment center in the state in Wilmington, Amazon will undoubtedly drive economic growth across the Cape Fear region and add over 1,000 full- and part-time jobs for hardworking North Carolinians and their families,” said Senator Budd.
“This has been a true partnership since day one. Pender County worked closely with Amazon and Wilmington Business Development to bring this facility to life, and today we’re seeing the results — real jobs, real investment, and a real commitment to our community. We’re proud of the role Pender County played in making this happen and look forward to growing together,” said Pender County Commission Chair Randy Burton.
“Bringing Amazon’s first operations to Greater Wilmington didn’t happen overnight — it took years of collaboration between local government, economic development partners, and a company willing to invest in our region’s potential. This is a landmark moment for our region, and it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when the public and private sectors align around a shared vision,” said Scott Satterfield, CEO, Wilmington Business Development.
“Southeastern North Carolina has always had the talent, the work ethic, and the location to compete for investments like this. What we needed was the right partner. Amazon’s decision to bring its first operations to the Cape Fear region is a vote of confidence in our community, and I’m proud of the state and local collaboration that helped make it a reality,” said North Carolina Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee.
About Amazon: Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
About Wilmington Business Development
Founded in 1956, Wilmington Business Development oversees business recruitment and industrial retention for the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County and Pender County. A private, not-for-profit organization, WBD supports members, partners and allies through an array of technical expertise, leadership resources and value-added business services. For additional information, visit www.wilmingtonbusinessdevelopment.com |
