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Amazon's massive warehouse opens Jobs boost as web warehouse opens
(about 1 hour later)
A distribution centre for the online retailer Amazon covering an area the size of 10 football pitches is being officially opened in Swansea Bay.A distribution centre for the online retailer Amazon covering an area the size of 10 football pitches is being officially opened in Swansea Bay.
The site in Jersey Marine is expected to create 1,200 full-time jobs over five years, and 1,500 seasonal jobs.The site in Jersey Marine is expected to create 1,200 full-time jobs over five years, and 1,500 seasonal jobs.
First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who is attending the opening, called it a "powerful shot in the arm" for the Welsh economy.First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who is attending the opening, called it a "powerful shot in the arm" for the Welsh economy.
However the Unite union has warned against relying on service sector jobs. However, the Unite union has warned against relying on service sector jobs.
The project involved the assembly government and Neath Port Talbot council and was planned and completed in 16 months, from the first discussions to the opening on Wednesday. The project involved Welsh Assembly Government and Neath Port Talbot Council and was planned and completed in 16 months, from the first discussions to the opening.
The warehouse is the company's fourth distribution centre in the UK and its largest. The three others are in Glenrothes and Gourock in Scotland, and Milton Keynes. The warehouse is the company's fourth distribution centre in the UK and its largest. The others are in Glenrothes in Fife, Gourock in Inverclyde, and in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
To have such a big name in e-commerce set up a major European base in Swansea Bay is an outstanding achievement for Wales Rhodri MorganTo have such a big name in e-commerce set up a major European base in Swansea Bay is an outstanding achievement for Wales Rhodri Morgan
The decision by the company to locate to Swansea - many warehouses are in the Midlands because of the location - was seen as a coup for Wales, which has a growing distribution industry presence. Many such warehouses are in the Midlands, and the decision by the company to locate to Swansea was seen as a coup for Wales, which has a growing distribution industry presence.
Over 200,000 people are employed in the sector. More than 200,000 people are employed in the sector.
Mr Morgan said: "The speed of delivery of this project has been exceptional.Mr Morgan said: "The speed of delivery of this project has been exceptional.
"It is an absolutely text-book example of how to do regional economic development. "It is an absolutely textbook example of how to do regional economic development.
"Amazon is one of only a handful of truly world brands that have emerged since the internet changed the way we live our lives."Amazon is one of only a handful of truly world brands that have emerged since the internet changed the way we live our lives.
"To have such a big name in e-commerce set up a major European base in Swansea Bay is an outstanding achievement for Wales.""To have such a big name in e-commerce set up a major European base in Swansea Bay is an outstanding achievement for Wales."
As well as the giant warehouse, a new access road has been built.As well as the giant warehouse, a new access road has been built.
"Partnership has been the key to this success and Team Wales looks forward to working closely with Amazon to ensure their on-going success and development in Wales," Mr Morgan added."Partnership has been the key to this success and Team Wales looks forward to working closely with Amazon to ensure their on-going success and development in Wales," Mr Morgan added.
Amazon has an estimated 64m customers worldwideAmazon has an estimated 64m customers worldwide
However the opening comes just a day after the 3M tape factory in nearby Gorseinon announced it was to shed 185 manufacturing jobs. However, the opening came a day after the 3M tape factory in nearby Gorseinon announced it was to shed 185 manufacturing jobs.
Management at the plant, which opened in 1952, said it needed to make redundancies in order to remain competitive. Management at the plant, which opened in 1952, said redundancies were needed to remain competitive.
The union Unite said it was concerned the manufacturing industry in Wales was "on the cusp of an irreversible tipping point".The union Unite said it was concerned the manufacturing industry in Wales was "on the cusp of an irreversible tipping point".
It expressed concern at the replacement of manufacturing jobs with what it called "insecure, low-paid employment in the service sector".It expressed concern at the replacement of manufacturing jobs with what it called "insecure, low-paid employment in the service sector".
"These jobs do not provide the foundations for young people to flourish and play a full and constructive role within their communities," a spokesman added. "These jobs do not provide the foundations for young people to flourish and play a full and constructive role within their communities," a spokesman said.