New Amazon distribution center has helped to curb unemployment in Kenosha County

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Cyber Monday is all about shopping online, and this year, if you order from Amazon, chances are your purchases will be heading to Kenosha before you place them under your tree! Kenosha is now home to an Amazon distribution center, and one of two new buildings have opened.

The distribution center is located east of I-94 at the intersection with Burlington Road in Kenosha.

The first building that has opened is the smaller of the two.

"They`re receiving packages from other fulfillment centers across the nation, being sent here, and then those packages are delivered locally," Doug Bartz with the Kenosha County Job Center said.

Bartz has been working closely with Amazon for the last month to fulfill every available position at the new facility.

"Over 2,000 people came through for the warehouse associate positions they had open," Bartz said.

Randell Martin is hoping he'll soon work for Amazon. So far, more than 500 people have been hired.

"It's ain`t like temp -- you get there and sometimes they send you back home. With this one, you know when you got to be to work. You know what time you know you got to be there. I like working. I love working as a matter of fact. I just need hours and transportation to get there. That's all I need," Martin said.

Bartz says Amazon's opportunity has created a new buzz for the local job market in general.

"There`s people entering back in the workforce that have been out of the workforce or discouraged for some time," Bartz said.

Bartz says he expects the excitement will continue as a second fulfillment center gets up and running.

Amazon has told city officials that it aims for a spring occupancy on the second building.

There are more than 50 Amazon fulfillment centers across the country.

CLICK HERE to apply for a job with Amazon's Kenosha distribution center.