CHARLTON, MA— Amazon officially celebrated the opening of its massive new robotics fulfillment center in Charlton, MA, showcasing the $300 million facility’s cutting-edge technology, regional economic impact, and commitment to workforce development.
According to reporting by the Worcester Business Journal, the five-story, 2.8-million-square-foot center has been operational since November 2024, but Tuesday marked its public debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Governor Maura Healey, local officials, Amazon employees, and media.
“This technology shows Massachusetts’ leadership in robotics,” Gov. Healey said at the event. “It means faster delivery of goods for both sellers and buyers. The impact that Amazon has had statewide is about 20,000 jobs, and that continues to grow.”
Each of the facility’s five levels spans roughly 15 acres—about 11 football fields per floor—and the site currently holds approximately 32 million items in inventory. The center uses robotic drive units, described by WBJ as resembling “oversized robotic vacuum cleaners,” to transport items throughout the building. These robots can lift up to 1,500 pounds and play a critical role in streamlining order fulfillment.
Construction on the site began in March 2022 and required significant infrastructure work, including moving 1.3 million cubic yards of earth and rock. The facility was built with 11,100 tons of steel and 75,000 cubic yards of concrete, much of which was mixed on-site.
As part of its presence in Charlton, Amazon agreed to a $10.2 million community partnership agreement with the town. The funds will support transportation infrastructure, STEM education programs, public safety equipment, and local recreation facilities.
“This robotics fulfillment center reinforces Worcester County as a hub for innovation and creates economic momentum for our entire region,” said Timothy Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “This facility creates career opportunities with excellent benefits and advancement potential, while also supporting over 9,000 independent Massachusetts sellers who use Amazon’s store and logistics network.”
More than 1,000 full-time employees currently work at the Charlton site, where starting pay is $20.50 per hour. Workers are also eligible for college tuition assistance at participating institutions across Massachusetts and Connecticut, including Quinsigamond Community College in nearby Worcester.
The Charlton center marks another step in Amazon’s nationwide logistics expansion, and a significant investment in robotics and automation—one that aligns with Massachusetts’ growing reputation as a hub for tech-driven manufacturing and logistics.
