Amazon is set to shut down a fulfilment center affecting 590 jobs. The closure of the Milton Keynes site, established in 1998 as Amazon’s first center, will prompt affected employees to consider transferring to the new Northampton site or other locations. The upcoming £500 million Northampton facility, opening in May, will initially hire 1,400 workers, with plans to increase to 2,000.
Separately, Amazon’s sortation center, a part of its logistics operations also located in Milton Keynes, remains unaffected by the closure proposal. An Amazon representative emphasized the company’s ongoing assessment of its network to align with business requirements and enhance employee and customer experiences. The spokesperson highlighted the consultation on the Milton Keynes closure, offering affected employees opportunities at the new Northampton site or other Amazon facilities, with the primary focus on supporting the workforce through the transition.
In a related development, Amazon has initiated test drone flights ahead of its UK airborne delivery service launch in 2026. The company has commenced limited Prime Air drone flights from its Darlington base, with plans to enable eligible customers in Darlington to receive packages under five pounds within a two-hour timeframe once the service officially launches. Amazon confirmed the drone flights out of its Darlington fulfillment center and expressed excitement about introducing drone delivery in the UK, collaborating closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies.
The designed drones prioritize quiet operation, aiming for noise levels equivalent to traditional van deliveries. Advanced onboard systems facilitate obstacle detection and avoidance during deliveries, ensuring safety and efficiency. Utilizing perception technology with machine learning capabilities, the drones can identify various objects and navigate airspace, enhancing the overall delivery process.