The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released an analysis highlighting the economic impact of new distribution centers (DCs), revealing that a 4,000-worker facility significantly enhances local economies by creating jobs, expanding the labor force, and increasing wages. The report was published on February 4th.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's latest report, its analysis on the economic impact of distribution centers has been updated as these facilities expand in size and technological sophistication. A 2022 study indicated that a 3,000-worker distribution center could generate over 2,100 additional jobs and increase annual wages by $360 million in metropolitan areas. With the growth of e-commerce, distribution centers have scaled up to meet demand, requiring more skilled workers to operate advanced robotics and automation. In its new analysis, the Chamber explored the impact of even larger 4,000-worker facilities, reaffirming their crucial role in job creation, wage growth, and local economic development.
In the Raleigh-Durham area, due to the effects of larger distribution centers, 3,660 jobs were created with a growth of 1,999 in the labor force. The analysis noted a $401 million annual increase in salaries and wages.
Amazon's RDU1 Fulfillment Center in Garner, North Carolina is a two-million-square-foot facility that opened in 2020. As of 2022, it employs over 4,000 workers who manage and ship items alongside robots.
The updated research from the U.S. Chamber confirms that as DCs expand, so do their economic benefits—driving job creation, wage growth, and increased tax revenue for local governments. The findings show the significant role DCs play in strengthening regional economies; metropolitan areas housing these facilities see substantial economic gains for both businesses and residents.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is described as the largest business advocacy organization in the country. It represents companies of all sizes across various industries and works to promote pro-business policies through lobbying, research, and public policy initiatives.
