Governor cuts ribbon on first Amazon facility in Montana
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News from the office of Governor Gianforte
MISSOULA — On March 27 in Missoula, Governor Greg Gianforte cut the ribbon on the first Amazon facility in Montana. Representing Amazon’s first major investment in the state, the new delivery station created more than 100 jobs.
“Montana is stronger when companies like Amazon choose to invest in our people and our state,” Gianforte said. “I’m thrilled to welcome this investment that provides Montanans the opportunity to thrive in a good-paying job, brings faster and more efficient package delivery to our residents, and strengthens our community partnerships.”
During a ceremony at the new facility, Amazon provided an overview of the delivery operation that connects their national fulfillment network to customers within a 50-mile radius of Missoula.
“We are growing into our building which means we can deliver faster in Missoula and the surrounding area. We have around 6,500 to 7,000 packages a day, and in peak holiday season we saw about 10,000 packages a day,” said Mabel Funderburk, site leader for the new facility.
Gov. Gianforte joined Amazon leadership and employees, and community partners to cut the ribbon at the new facility that broke ground in December 2022.
The 72,000 square foot delivery station, categorized as the “last mile” stage of the shipping process, will receive orders from larger Amazon facilities across the United States and dispatch delivery vans to bring those orders to customers’ front doors.
“This was a site that was constructed and delivered by Montana-based firms. So, it really speaks to a local story. Not just for delivery for our customers, but also delivery of a partnership with the community,” said Sam Bailey, Amazon’s economic development policy manager.
Highlighting the many Montana-based firms contributing to the construction of the facility, the governor and industry representatives emphasized the importance of Amazon’s investment in community partnerships.
“I grew up in the Bitterroot Valley, so being able to use our subcontractors on the project was awesome. From PETES Electric in Missoula to Steed Concrete in Helena, to our Montana-born firm – onsite I had about 45 individuals all of which were from Montana,” said Ethan Pateman of Dick Anderson Construction.
Pateman continued, “The fact that we were able to bring a project of this scale to this area is pretty exciting. We are humbled to be a part of it.”
“More Montanans are working now than ever before, and the size of our labor force continues to set new records. We’ll continue delivering on our pro-family, pro-jobs agenda to help more folks thrive and achieve the American dream,” the governor concluded.
