Amazon to invest more than €300 million expanding site in SW Germany

Online retail giant Amazon is set to significantly expand one of its warehouse sites in south-west Germany, it announced on Thursday.

The company plans to more than double its workforce at its Pforzheim facility in Baden-Württemberg by the end of 2029, and invest over €300 million ($344 million) there. 

An Amazon spokesman said the site will in future stock small- to medium-sized items - ranging from USB sticks to irons - instead of storing medium-sized items such as packs of nappies or games consoles, as has been the case to date.

Following the refurbishment, there will be space for around 20 million of these items. 

Hundreds of transport robots will bring mobile shelving units to staff, thereby saving them the need to walk long distances. 

"We want to be a good neighbour in the region - offering attractive jobs, career prospects for staff and a commitment to local economic development," the spokesman said.

Over 1,000 people currently work at the site. This figure is set to rise to well over 2,000 employees over the next three years, with all existing jobs being retained during the refurbishment period.

Pforzheim's mayor, Peter Boch, described the investment as a strong commitment to his city as a business location. 

According to its own figures, Amazon operates 10 sites in the state of Baden-Württemberg, currently employing 3,000 people.