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Amazon fulfillment center celebrates opening in DuPont

On Friday at the center's official opening, Amazon showed off some of technology that is saving the company money.
A look inside an Amazon fulfillment center in DuPont, Wash.

DUPONT, Wash. -- Seattle-based Amazon formally opened its latest robotic fulfillment center Friday in DuPont. The center's robots distribute goods before orders are shipped. Even with the new technology, there's still work for humans and that means more jobs for Pierce County.

The center technically opened in the summer. However, Friday marked Amazon's official opening in DuPont to show off some of the latest and greatest technology that is saving the company money.

The DuPont fulfillment center is an eighth-generation Amazon distribution center. The robotic technology allows people to stay in place, plugging in information. The robots do all the moving and heavy lifting.

Currently, 500 full-time employees are working at the DuPont location.

Community leaders and politicians are welcoming the jobs as the South Sound continues to worry about potential layoffs at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The automated DuPont location, which cost $100 million, is one of three distribution centers in the Puget Sound area.

Mayor Michael Grayum of DuPont says the 500 full-time jobs are great, but even more jobs are expected in seasonal and part-time work.

"This is huge for our community," said Grayum. "It's the most innovative fulfillment center Amazon has in all of North America. [There are] up to 900 jobs that have great benefits for residents."

The figure of 900 jobs includes those seasonal and part-time employees. Amazon said it wanted to get past its hectic holiday season before holding the grand opening celebration in DuPont.

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