News Summary
Amazon has announced a $10 billion investment to build a new campus in Richmond County, North Carolina. The project will create at least 500 jobs over five years and enhance the company’s cloud computing and AI capabilities. With 20 buildings planned, this investment also aims to revitalize the local economy, support workforce training programs, and drive infrastructure improvements, further solidifying North Carolina’s position in the tech industry.
North Carolina is set to receive a major economic boost as Amazon announces its plan to invest $10 billion in constructing a state-of-the-art campus in Richmond County. This ambitious investment aims to enhance Amazon’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities while creating at least 500 jobs over the course of the next five years.
The project, located within Rockingham’s Energy Way Industrial Park, will feature 20 buildings, each spanning between 200,000 to 225,000 square feet. The construction phase of the campus will likely lead to additional job opportunities related to construction and supply chain activities, possibly increasing job creation beyond the initial 500 positions.
Governor Josh Stein recognizes this investment as one of the largest in North Carolina’s history, highlighting its potential to foster economic growth in Richmond County—a region that has experienced job losses in textiles and apparel over recent years. The initiative is not only a crucial boost for the local economy but is also expected to integrate advanced technology and infrastructure to facilitate cutting-edge cloud computing and AI tasks.
In addition to the job creation expected from the campus itself, Amazon will be supporting local universities and community colleges to enhance workforce training programs, ensuring that residents are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the high-tech job market. This partnership signifies a commitment to investing in the local community and developing a skilled labor force.
The Richmond County Board of Commissioners has approved a 20-year incentive package for Amazon, which includes cash grants linked to specific job creation and investment thresholds. This strategic collaboration aims to provide Amazon with the necessary support to develop its facilities while offering economic advantages to the county and its residents.
Beyond immediate job creation, the significant investment is expected to drive infrastructure improvements within Richmond County. These enhancements will likely include upgrades to essential services such as water and wastewater systems, as well as the introduction of advanced fiber optic infrastructure, all of which are crucial for supporting the needs of the new campus and the community at large.
This announcement comes at a time when North Carolina is experiencing a surge in technological investments, particularly in the field of cloud infrastructure. Amazon is in competition with other tech giants like Microsoft and Google, which are also expanding their data center operations in the region, including planned projects from Digital Realty Trust and Microsoft.
Amazon’s long-term commitment to North Carolina is evident through its investments that have totaled $12 billion since 2010, which have collectively generated approximately 24,000 full- and part-time jobs across the state. The forthcoming campus in Richmond County represents a continued dedication to fostering growth and development within the tech sector, contributing to the state’s reputation as a key player in technology and innovation.
As the region prepares for this transformative project, the community looks ahead at the potential opportunities and economic revitalization that Amazon’s investment may bring. The collaboration between the tech giant and local authorities sets the stage for future advancements in workforce readiness and infrastructure, aiming to position Richmond County at the forefront of technological growth in North Carolina.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
