Amazon confirmed Thursday that its fulfillment center at the Port of Little Rock will remain closed indefinitely because “significant structural repairs” are needed to “meet seismic codes,” according to a statement.
Amazon employs more than 2,000 workers at the facility, which had been closed since Oct. 22 and was expected to reopen Nov. 7, but that date was pushed back to Nov. 22.
The company, which operates five distribution centers in the state, said “rare seismic activity” necessitated the additional delay.
“After conducting a full review with outside experts, we’ve determined that the structural engineering firm that designed the LIT1 building made errors in the initial design of the facility and the building requires significant structural repairs to meet seismic codes and ensure the safety of our team members. There’s no safe way to keep the building open during these repairs, and we’re left with no choice but to shut it down,” Amazon spokesman Sam Stephenson said in a statement.
The company said all facility employees, both full- and part-time, will be provided with 90 days of full pay and six months of existing medical benefits as well as transfer benefits. It will also provide a severance package to employees who choose not to stay with the company and offer transitional support to those who are affected. The company also stated that employees will be eligible for priority hiring at the “LIT1” facility once it reopens, as well as at the $151 million LIT3, set to open in 2027.
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