Amazon is set to shut down a fulfilment center, affecting 590 jobs. The closure of the Milton Keynes site, Amazon’s first center established in 1998, has triggered a consultation process. Affected employees are being offered the option to transfer to the new Amazon facility in Northampton or to other locations.
The upcoming £500 million Northampton building, expected to open in May, will initially hire 1,400 workers, eventually increasing to 2,000 employees. Notably, the Amazon sortation center, a separate division of its logistics operations also located in Milton Keynes, remains unaffected by the closure plans.
An Amazon representative stated that the company regularly reviews its network to align with business requirements and enhance the experience for both employees and customers. The spokesperson emphasized the priority of supporting affected staff members throughout the transition process.
In other news, Amazon has begun testing drone flights in preparation for the launch of its UK airborne delivery service in 2026. The testing involves limited flights from the Darlington base, but the drone delivery service for customers has not been officially launched yet. Once operational, eligible Amazon customers in Darlington will receive packages weighing less than five pounds within a two-hour timeframe.
According to Amazon, the Prime Air drone flights have commenced from the Darlington fulfillment center in Symmetry Park, although actual deliveries are pending until the service’s official launch in 2026. The company highlighted the collaborative efforts with Darlington Council and the Civil Aviation Authority to introduce drone delivery services in the UK.
The drones have been designed for minimal noise levels, comparable to traditional van deliveries. Advanced onboard systems enable the drones to detect and avoid obstacles during descent, ensuring safe and efficient deliveries. The technology incorporates machine learning models to identify various objects, including people, animals, and other airborne vehicles.
This content may include third-party cookies to improve user experience and for personalized advertising. Users can manage their data preferences by opting out of data sharing through the provided options on the website. By accessing the site and services, users agree to the use of cookies and consent to the privacy and terms and conditions outlined on the platform.