Amazon’s newest robotics fulfillment center in Massachusetts opened its doors in Charlton for the first time last week. The 2.8 million-square-foot Charlton building, ORH3, employs more than 1,000 full-time associates who pick, pack and ship customer items such as books, electronics, housewares, and toys. The facility features robotics technology that assists employees in fulfilling customer orders.

The grand opening featured remarks from Maura Healey, governor of Massachusetts; Andrew Golas, town administrator of Charlton; Jonathan Greeley, Amazon Economic Development principal; Andrea Fava, vice president of Amazon Public Policy; and Radhika Radhakrishnan, Amazon site lead of ORH3. The Commonwealth’s Ashley Stolba, acting economic development secretary, and Anne Gobi, director of rural affairs, were also in attendance among a host of state and local officials.

Voices of Support

“Amazon’s Charlton robotics fulfillment center will bring economic activity and growth to Worcester County and our rural communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts continues to be a leader in innovation and technology, and it’s great to see these opportunities expanding all across our state.”

“The ribbon cutting of Amazon’s robotics fulfillment center marks a transformative chapter in Charlton’s economic development,” said Town Administrator Andrew Golas. “From the beginning, Amazon has demonstrated its commitment to being a true community partner. This major employment center brings substantial economic opportunities to our residents while delivering significant investments in our infrastructure, public safety, education, and recreation. The local revenue and opportunities provided by this project will strengthen our town services, prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow and provide a catalyst for local economic growth. This partnership exemplifies how municipalities and businesses can create meaningful, long-term benefits for the entire community.”

“Today marks a proud milestone as we officially open our doors in Charlton,” said Amazon’s Radhika Radhakrishnan. “I’m deeply grateful for the community’s welcome and incredibly proud of our talented team who bring this facility to life every day. We’re not just creating quality jobs with great benefits—we’re building lasting partnerships throughout Worcester County. It’s a privilege to lead such dedicated associates as we work together to deliver for our customers and contribute to this vibrant community.”

Community Engagement

As part of the grand opening celebration, Jerome Smith, Amazon’s head of Community Engagement for New England, presented a $10,000 grant to the Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA to support YMCA Camp Foskett in Charlton. Kathleen Russell, executive director of the YMCA, accepted the donation towards providing children with a community where they learn independence, develop character and build leadership skills while enjoying activities like swimming, archery and talent shows.

Following the remarks and donation, Amazon officials led facility tours for attendees, showcasing Amazon Robotics technology including hundreds of drive units that work collaboratively alongside employees.

At the Charlton fulfillment center, starting pay for associates begins at $20.50 per hour. Nationwide, the average pay for customer fulfillment and operations roles at Amazon is over $22 per hour, with compensation reaching more than $29 per hour when including the value of benefits. Depending on position and experience, employees at Amazon facilities across the U.S. can earn up to $29.50 per hour. Amazon offers all employees a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. These comprehensive benefits begin on day one and include health care coverage, up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, ways to save for the future, full college tuition funding, and other resources to improve health and well-being. Additionally, employees have opportunities to own Amazon stock, participate in 401(k) plans with company match, and enroll in paid life and accident insurance. Financial counseling and estate planning services are also available, plus paid short-term and long-term disability if needed.

In addition, Amazon is investing more than $1.2 billion to provide free upskilling opportunities to more than 750,000 eligible U.S. operations employees, helping them further their careers in high-paying, in-demand roles. Through its popular Career Choice program, the company now funds college tuition at colleges around Massachusetts and Connecticut, including Quinsigamond Community College, as well as high school diplomas, GEDs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency certifications for its front-line employees—including those who have been at the company for as little as three months. Amazon also offers three education programs to provide employees with the opportunity to learn skills within data center maintenance and technology, IT, and user experience and research design.

Investing in Greater Charlton

Amazon has invested more than $300 million in the development and construction of the Charlton robotics fulfillment center, creating a state-of-the-art facility that represents one of the company’s largest investments in Massachusetts.

Over the next 20 years, ORH3 will add more than $65.5 million in local revenue and $10.2 million in community partnership payments. As part of the Community Partnership Agreement, Amazon is investing in several key areas:

• Transportation Improvements ($5.3 million): Installing adaptive traffic control systems at five intersections along Routes 20 and 169, implementing safety improvements at four intersections, widening Route 20 to provide turn lanes at the project site, and modifying Route 169 to provide a left turn lane.
• Sidewalk and Streetscape Improvements ($1.5 million): Enhancing the pedestrian network and streetscape in the Main Street and Masonic Home Road Area.
• STEM Education ($1.5 million): Annual donations of $150,000 to the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District to support the purchase of educational equipment for expanding STEM Education in Charlton schools.
• Public Safety Equipment.
• Recreation, and Arts and Activities.

Since 2010, Amazon has invested $23 billion in Massachusetts, adding $21 billion to state GDP and creating 23,000 full- and part-time jobs as of January 2024. Additionally, Amazon’s presence has supported 39,000 indirect jobs in Massachusetts. More than 60% of sales in the Amazon store come from independent sellers. More than 9,000 independent sellers—primarily small and medium-sized businesses—from Massachusetts are growing their businesses through Amazon’s store. In Massachusetts, independent sellers averaged more than $255,000 in annual sales and collectively sold more than 82 million items in 2024.