Amazon Announces Closure of Newport Depot, Staff to Be Moved to Cardiff
In a recent development, Amazon has confirmed its decision to close down its depot located in Newport, Wales, and relocate all its staff to a new facility in Cardiff. The online retail giant, which opened its Newport site in the Celtic Business Park back in November 2016, is set to shut its delivery station in the city as part of a move to a new location in Cardiff later this year.
The relocation plan has sparked mixed reactions among employees, with some expressing discontent about the upcoming move. According to reports, Amazon has assured all affected workers that their jobs are secure as long as they consent to and are able to commute to the new warehouse, which will be situated in Cardiff’s ABP Business Park on Cargo Road, approximately 35 miles away from Newport.
Aside from job security, employees will have access to the company’s free bus service, which currently operates to the Newport site and will extend its route to the new Cardiff base once it opens in October 2025. The new Cardiff depot has been touted as a modern delivery station, offering additional amenities such as a canteen and upgraded locker room facilities for the staff.
While the relocation may bring about a more advanced work environment for employees, some concerns have been raised regarding the increased commute time and associated costs. A staff member from Newport, who opted to remain anonymous, shared thoughts with WalesOnline, mentioning, “It helps that everyone still has their positions in the new Amazon depot but the commuting distance has doubled, which is something I’m not happy with.”
Amazon has reassured customers that the move will not disrupt their services, affirming that there will be no impact on the delivery process in the region. A spokesperson for Amazon UK highlighted, “As part of that effort, we are relocating our Newport delivery station to a new site in Cardiff. All employees will continue with their roles at the new delivery station, a bus service will continue, and there will be no changes to the service we provide to our customers in this area.”
The decision to shut down the Newport depot comes as Amazon continues to assess its network operations to align with business requirements and enhance the overall experience for employees and customers. The company already has multiple sites across Wales, including a significant “Fulfillment Centre” in Swansea and a warehouse in Deeside.
If individuals have been impacted by Amazon’s transition out of Newport, they are encouraged to reach out via email to [email protected] for further assistance or information. The move signals a shift in Amazon’s operational footprint in Wales, with the company aiming to streamline its logistics network for improved efficiency and service delivery.
In conclusion, as Amazon prepares to bid farewell to its Newport depot and embrace a new chapter in Cardiff, the transition underscores the ever-evolving nature of the e-commerce industry and the constant drive for innovation and operational enhancement within the sector.