Amazon has confirmed the impending closure of two of its California warehouses, including the West Sacramento facility, which currently employs approximately 160 workers. As reported by CBS News Sacramento, the decision came after Amazon chose not to renew the leases for the spaces in West Sacramento and Irvine.
The West Sacramento location is set to shut down, and while the closure will displace several employees, Amazon has stated it's actively working to help them find alternate roles within the company, even as the specter of job loss looms large, Amazon's spokesperson Sam Stephenson indicated in a statement, acknowledging the commitment of their team, "We appreciate our team's hard work and commitment, and we're supporting impacted employees to find new opportunities within Amazon, including at nearby fulfillment sites." Notably, Amazon insists that these closures will not interfere with customer service or delivery efficiency, even as the company forges ahead with plans to open an Amazon Fresh grocery store in Elk Grove later in the week, as reported by CBS News Sacramento.
The West Sacramento warehouse specifically located at 3620 Ramos Drive is poised to cease operations by October 30, according to FOX40. Reinforcing the company's intent not to cut employee numbers "This is not about reducing headcount," an Amazon statement clarified, emphasizing that efforts are being made to provide alternative positions to the affected staff or relocate them to other nearby Amazon operational sites.
FOX40 also reported that the subsequent closure of the Irvine warehouse is planned for November 7, following Amazon's strategic move not to extend its lease on that facility either, despite the company's expansion elsewhere in the state, it remains to be seen how the shuttering of two key distribution centers will impact Amazon's logistical footprint in California, especially as the company looks to bolster its presence with new ventures such as the upcoming Amazon Fresh store.
