Area Development
Internet retail giant Amazon.com has announced it will invest $135 million to open two new fulfillment centers in Virginia expected to add over 1,350 jobs to the commonwealth's economy. The centers will fulfill orders across the United States.

Specifically, the firm plans to invest $85 million and create more than 1,000 jobs at a 1.1 million-sq.-ft. center located in Chesterfield County's Meadowville Technology Park, as well as invest $50 million and create over 350 jobs at a Dinwiddie County facility.

Gov. Bob McDonnell said the project is a "tremendous win" for the Greater Richmond region.

According to Jim Cheng, VA Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties were chosen "due to the ease and speed with which the facilities can be built and become operational" and the "skill and availability of the region's workforce."

Amazon has been approved for a total of $3.5 million in grants from the Governor's Opportunity Fund, and will receive monies from other funds and incentives.

Last year Amazon announced plans to open 17 new centers in numerous states, including Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana, South Carolina, Arizona and Washington.