Amazon has announced plans to close its historic fulfilment centre in Milton Keynes, a move that will directly affect 590 employees. The site, which first opened in 1998, was the online retail giant's very first warehouse in the United Kingdom.
Consultation launched for landmark closure
The company has now entered a formal consultation period regarding the proposal to shut down the Milton Keynes operation. All 590 staff members impacted by the potential closure are being presented with the opportunity to transfer to other Amazon locations. The primary option is a brand-new, £500 million fulfilment centre in Northampton, which is scheduled to commence operations in May.
A shift to a state-of-the-art facility
Amazon has framed the move as a network evolution aimed at improving conditions for its workforce and customers. A company spokesperson stated that employees from Milton Keynes are being offered the chance to relocate to the "larger, state-of-the-art building" in Northampton. This new facility is designed to eventually employ up to 2,000 people, starting with an initial workforce of 1,400.
"We're always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers," the spokesperson said. They emphasised that supporting their people through the transition process remains the top priority.
Logistics network remains in Milton Keynes
It is important to note that this closure proposal pertains specifically to the fulfilment centre. A separate Amazon sortation centre, which handles a different stage of the logistics process, is also based in Milton Keynes and will not be affected by these plans. The company's presence in the city will therefore continue, albeit in a reduced capacity.
The planned shift from the pioneering Milton Keynes site to the modern Northampton hub marks a significant moment in Amazon's 25-year operational history within the UK. It highlights the ongoing transformation and scaling of its logistics infrastructure across the country.
