Amazon set to create 1,500 jobs

ONLINE shopping giant Amazon is to create around 1,500 jobs at a warehouse next to Manchester Aiport, it has emerged.

A planning application submitted to the city council shows the retailer wants to take 654,000 sq ft of warehouse space at Airport City South by extending a warehouse currently being built by the M56, just off Sunbank Lane, Ringway near Hale Barns.

Jonathan Haigh, director of development management and infrastructure at Manchester Airport, said: “This deal marks a major milestone for Airport City and creates 1,500 new local jobs, which is exciting news.

“Manchester Airport’s network of  flights to destinations around the globe is one of the key things that makes Airport City attractive to businesses looking to relocate or set up new bases in the UK.

“This deal provides clear evidence of that and also gives Amazon close access to both their supply chain and the 22 million potential customers within a two hour drive of Manchester Airport. We look forward to welcoming them to the development.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The news that Amazon is creating 1,500 jobs at Airport City is tremendous for Wythenshawe and Manchester as a whole.

“This development shows how attractive a location close to the airport, with its extensive connections, is for occupiers who require a global reach. It follows on from previous examples of investor confidence in the enterprise zone, such as DHL relocating their overseas delivery logistics hub to Airport City South. There’s every reason to believe that Airport City will go from strength to strength.”