News

Amazon, Mercedes-Benz USA and KLS Martin were among the 10 new company locations announced, joining the seven local businesses expansions, including Ernst & Young, Kraft Foods – Maxwell House and BMW of North America.

Amazon, the global Internet retailer, committed to bolstering its footprint in the area and selected Jacksonville as the ideal location for a fulfillment center to handle the company’s diverse array of products that will create 1,500 new jobs and $200 million in local investment.

The region’s direct access to a consumer market of 61+ million people, ease of doing business, thriving local economy and land availability at Alliance Florida at Cecil Commerce Center helped secure Amazon’s decision to invest in Jacksonville.

This company announcement – among others – contribute to the robust business environment in Northeast Florida, further supporting Forbes’ ranking of Jacksonville among the top 40 best places for businesses and careers and Realtor.com’s ranking of Jacksonville as the #2 hot spot where Americans are moving.

High-end retailers are also making the move to Jacksonville because of the city’s central location and direct access to a large consumer market. Swedish-based IKEA plans to open its first Jacksonville location this fall, across from where TopGolf recently opened in October 2016.

Continued revitalization of Downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River is occurring, with increased activity around EverBank Field. Companies are taking advantage of the area’s talented labor force, low operating costs and pro-business environment.

“The Jacksonville region is a competitive player in the global marketplace as international companies choose Northeast Florida as the location for business attainment and success,” said JAXUSA Partnership President Jerry Mallot. “The area’s access to talent, natural environment and unique personality continue to draw companies looking for a new market to grow operations.”

January 23, 2017