Amazon Site Leader Julien Allenne delivered good news to guests who gathered at the new Amazon robotics fulfillment center in Virginia Beach May 15.
The new 3.2 million square-foot facility employing more than 1,000 full-time employees is officially open.
“We came to town to be a good neighbor,” said Allenne, who helped launch the first Amazon robotics center in his native country of France in 2019.
Allenne said Amazon strives to make an impact on surrounding communities through partnerships, including local educational institutions.
VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Donald E. Robertson Jr. accepted a ceremonial check for $50,000 from Amazon to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math(STEM) initiatives.
A new community resource truck, “The Beacon,” will assist the VBCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) in bringing STEM activities and educational experiences into community settings.
The truck and mascot “Shelly” the sea turtle will travel throughout Virginia Beach this summer. Students may explore basic engineering concepts by creating 3D printed objects, learning to code using robots and lots more.
The Beacon will also bring resources out into the community, including academic support, health and wellness services, parent learning opportunities and tools that promote student success.
Funds from Amazon will also provide middle school technology educators with blueprint engineering kits and other tools to teach mechanical and electrical engineering and help build a foundation for robotics.
Amazon Head of Virginia Public Policy Lindsay Winter hosted the grand opening celebration. She welcomed more than 50 guests to “our most advanced and innovative facility” and introduced several dignitaries, including Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer.
Dyer spoke about the center’s use of technology and its positive economic impact.
“Amazon is leading the way,” he said. “We value this partnership.”
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were treated by Allenne and Amazon colleagues to a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the five-story building.
Donned in neon orange safety vests and shoe protectors, visitors witnessed how products move via robots to be packaged by employees, travel on conveyer belts toward shipping containers and carried by robots to be loaded onto trucks.
Hundreds of thousands of boxes are shipped daily. Technology improves proficiency and speed, Allenne explained.
Amazon Vice President of U.S. Public Policy Andrea Fava said the company is dedicated to making an impact in Hampton Roads.
“We are committed to the communities where our employees live and work,” she said.
FACE Director Dr. Admon Alexander thanked Amazon for the continued partnership and support.
“Their contributions make a meaningful difference for our students, families and staff, while helping strengthen connections across our community.”
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