Local leaders and community members gathered at 800 Saccomanno Road to celebrate the Grand Opening of Amazon’s new last-mile delivery facility in Grand Junction, Colorado. The state-of-the-art, 38,000 square foot facility marks Amazon’s first major expansion into the Western Slope, signaling a new era of economic growth, job creation, and logical efficiency for the region.
The milestone investment goes beyond getting packages to Mesa County residents more quickly and efficiently—it opens the door to new employment opportunities and impact locally.
Since its inception, the project has been a collaborative effort between Amazon, the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, and regional economic development partners.
During the Grand Opening event, Sam Bailey, Senior Manager for Economic Development Policy at Amazon, shared, “We rely on partnerships with communities when we make sizeable investments like this. My first call was to the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and the City of Grand Junction to articulate that we know we need to be here to serve our customers, and we want to work with the community to make it happen.”
The successful launch of Amazon’s Grand Junction facility is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration. Mayor Abe Herman of Grand Junction highlighted the city’s role in expediting the development, stating, “Thanks to Amazon’s efficiency and the City’s streamlined planning process, this facility was completed in record time and was operational just in time for the busy holiday season.”
The project was officially announced in May 2024 and the facility was constructed in record time, being able to open its doors and serve the community by December 2024. To date, Amazon’s impact on Mesa County includes:
Locally, Amazon has forged a relationship with the Mesa County Workforce Center by utilizing their resources to host job fairs and connect job seekers to available positions. These partnerships are critical in supporting our workforce and nationwide, 46% of workers hired by Amazon were previously unemployed, providing opportunities to obtain their GED, obtain new skills, and advance their career trajectory.
Warehouse site manager, Mike Olish, who is from the region, shared that Amazon’s arrival has allowed him and his family to stay in Mesa County by providing him with an opportunity to advance his career. He added, “I was a member of this community before Amazon, and I feel like their mission and values align with the community here in Grand Junction. We’re able to get packages to our citizens a little bit faster now with over 75 associates here working hard to sort through those packages and meet our customer promise.”
Additionally, during the grand opening ceremony, representatives from Amazon presented Riverside Education Center (REC) with a $10,000 donation, allowing the nonprofit organization to continue supporting youth within our community through structured tutoring and diverse extracurricular activities.
The last-mile facility is a critical component of Amazon’s supply chain, responsible for the final stage of package delivery to customers’ doorsteps. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon’s fulfillment and sortation centers, then processed for last-mile delivery. The new facility means more efficient deliveries for Grand Junction and surrounding areas. Bailey reaffirmed the company's commitment to the region, sharing, “We’re excited to expand in Colorado and serve customers in this area. This facility represents our long-term investment in the greater Grand Junction area and the Western Slope.
Additionally, Amazon’s arrival demonstrates confidence in the Grand Junction area’s potential as an emerging hub for innovation and logistics. Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, stated, “This investment in our community underscores our vibrant and dynamic economy which is capable of supporting projects like this.” It marks a step forward in our economic development journey. We can anticipate a far-reaching impact from this new investment and job creation as it not only impacts the everyday lives of residents but also signals that Mesa County is a wise choice for future investment and economic diversification.
The opening of Amazon’s last-mile facility is more than just a ribbon cutting moment, it’s a celebration of what is possible when a community comes together to support economic development. With a strong foundation of investment, job creation, and local partnerships, this facility is anticipated to have a lasting impact on Mesa County’s economic landscape.
Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, summed it up best: “This grand opening isn’t just about a new facility—it’s about what it presents for Grand Junction. Amazon’s presence enhances our economic vitality and paves the way for continued growth and innovation.”
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