Amazon is set to shut down one of its fulfilment centers, affecting 590 jobs. The closure of the Milton Keynes site, Amazon’s first center established in 1998, is part of a consultation process. Impacted employees are being offered the option to relocate to the new Amazon facility in Northampton or other sites.
The upcoming £500 million Northampton building, scheduled to open in May, will initially employ 1,400 individuals, with plans to increase the workforce to 2,000. Notably, the Amazon sortation center in Milton Keynes, a distinct part of its logistics operations, remains unaffected by the closure.
In response to the decision, an Amazon spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to aligning its network with business requirements and enhancing the overall experience for both employees and customers. The focus is on supporting affected staff members through the transition process.
In separate news, Amazon has initiated test drone flights as part of preparations for its UK airborne delivery service launch in 2026. The company has begun limited flights from its Darlington base but has not yet introduced drone deliveries to customers. Once operational, eligible customers in Darlington can expect deliveries weighing under five pounds within a two-hour timeframe.
Amazon confirmed the commencement of Prime Air drone flights from its Darlington fulfillment center, with a planned official service launch in 2026. The company highlighted the collaboration with Darlington Council and the Civil Aviation Authority in advancing drone delivery services in the UK.
The drones have been engineered for low noise levels akin to traditional van deliveries and feature advanced obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities. Amazon’s drone technology employs sophisticated machine learning models to identify various objects and navigate airspace safely.