Amazon announced Monday that the company’s first Illinois-based warehouse will be located in Joliet, Illinois, 40 miles outside of Chicago.
The company was drawn to the location because of its transportation links and convenient access to the Chicago market, one of the areas in which it offers same-day delivery. Amazon has been working to expand its warehouse footprint in the past few years as faces increasing competition on quick deliveries from rival retailers.
John Greuling, president and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development, told the Chicago Tribune the city offered to expedite Amazon’s permit process, which should allow the company to open its new warehouse in time for the holiday season rush. The building will take up about 500,000 square feet and will fill orders of smaller items, like books and electronics.
Amazon says the Joliet warehouse will create 1,000 full-time jobs, offering hourly salaries ranging from $13-$15 for most positions.