Since 2010, Amazon has made direct investments of more than $40 billion into Canadian operations, from capital expenditures such as building out data infrastructure to operating expenditures, including wages for 45,000 full- and part-time employees throughout the country.
The latest move in Canada from Amazon is the launch of YYC4, a new facility spanning nearly three million square feet.
“Amazon is thrilled to invest in Calgary while benefitting our employees, customers, and the community,” stated Sushant Jha, General Manager at YYC4.
The sizeable fulfilment centre will leverage the latest in robotics technology to deliver efficient Amazon services. Technology used at YYC4 includes RWC4, a robotic arm that sorts cargo by destination and builds pallets for shipping, and Kermit, an intelligent trolley designed to tow empty totes around the facility.
But it’s not all tech and robots—indeed, more than 1,500 workers will be employed onsite, working alongside automated systems and robots to pick, pack, and ship customer orders.
“Through the ingenuity of our Amazon Robotics technology, we are creating new career paths and development opportunities,” Jha said. “At the same time, we are delivering to customers at our fastest speeds ever with our safest, most sophisticated, and most advanced operations network.”
Amazon’s robotics technology creates a safer and more efficient workplace while providing employees with hands-on training to develop new, in-demand career skills, according to a statement from the company.
“The goal isn’t just to master new technology, but to chart a whole new career path,” explains Danielle Olliviere, Learning Trainer at YYC4. “Seeing my colleagues embrace this innovation has been really inspiring . . . We’re not just keeping up with the times; we’re shaping the future.”
Amazon is on a mission to be “Earth’s best employer.” This includes offering employees educational opportunities through upskilling programs like Career Choice, a paid benefit that allows eligible workers to grow their careers by building the skills needed for today’s most in-demand fields.
To date, more than 5,500 employees across Amazon’s Canadian fulfilment network have enrolled in the program.
“Amazon’s latest expansion in our province . . . will provide employees with good jobs and important opportunities for skills development on innovative new robotics technology,” stated Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade.
With the launch of YYC4, Amazon now operates five fulfilment centres, one sortation centre, three delivery stations, and two AMXL delivery stations in Alberta.
