Amazon Announces $10 Billion Investment in North Carolina, Creating Hundreds of Jobs
Amazon, the online retail and technology giant, has announced plans to invest $10 billion in North Carolina, expected to create 500 new jobs in the state. The investment will focus on artificial intelligence infrastructure, specifically data center infrastructure in Richmond County, to support the company’s growing cloud-computing technologies.
The move is part of Amazon’s efforts to strengthen North Carolina’s position as an innovation hub, according to the company. “Generative AI is driving increased demand for advanced cloud infrastructure and compute power, and our investment will support the future of AI from AWS data centers in the Tar Heel State,” Amazon said in a statement. “This deployment of cutting-edge cloud computing infrastructure will strengthen North Carolina’s position as an innovation hub.”
To support the growth of a workforce for the data center and broadband industries, Amazon is investing in training programs across North Carolina’s educational system. Community colleges, technical schools, and universities will benefit from these initiatives, which include programs such as data center operations, fiber optic technician training, and fusion splicing workshops. Additionally, an Amazon Web Services Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program will be available to students.
The company has also launched the Amazon Richmond County Community Fund, a grant program focused on STEM, sustainability, and other community efforts, with $150,000 available until July 23. Furthermore, eight North Carolina high school seniors have received scholarships and Amazon internships through the newly-launched Amazon Future Engineer program for computer science and engineering students.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein praised the investment, stating that it will help keep the state “ahead of the curve.” “Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I am pleased that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of all that’s ahead as we continue to attract top technology companies like Amazon,” Stein said. “Amazon’s investment is among the largest in state history and will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs and an economic boost to Richmond County.”
This announcement follows the recent opening of a new Amazon facility in Kannapolis, which has created 100 new full-time positions and improved shipping times for nearby customers. Since 2010, Amazon’s investments in North Carolina have created 24,000 jobs and added $13.1 billion to the state’s GDP.
The investment is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy and reinforce North Carolina’s position as a hub for technological innovation.
