Amazon is set to shut down a fulfilment center in Milton Keynes, impacting 590 jobs. The company is initiating consultations to close the facility, which was the first Amazon center established in 1998. Affected employees will have the option to transfer to a new Amazon site in Northampton or to other locations.
The new £500 million Northampton building is expected to open in May, initially hiring 1,400 employees with plans to increase to 2,000. The Amazon sortation center, a separate part of its logistics operations also located in Milton Keynes, remains unaffected by the closure.
An Amazon spokesperson stated that the decision is part of ongoing network evaluations to align with business requirements and enhance employee and customer experiences. The priority is to support affected employees throughout the transition.
In other news, Amazon has begun testing drone flights as part of its upcoming UK airborne delivery service launch in 2026. The company is conducting limited flights from its base in Darlington but has not yet implemented the drone delivery service for customers.
Once launched, eligible Amazon customers in Darlington will be able to receive packages weighing less than five pounds within two hours. The company confirmed the drone testing at the Darlington fulfillment center, with plans for an official service launch in 2026.
The drones are designed to operate quietly, with noise levels comparable to traditional van deliveries. Advanced onboard systems help drones avoid obstacles during delivery, with continuous monitoring of airspace to prevent collisions with other aircraft. The technology relies on sophisticated machine learning models to recognize various objects and ensure safe navigation.
Overall, Amazon continues to progress towards innovative delivery solutions while collaborating closely with regulatory authorities and local councils.
