Amazon Inc. has chosen Illinois for future facilities expected to create 1,000 jobs by 2017.
Paul Misener, Amazon’s vice president for global public policy, said Illinois has the workforce and the deal has been in the works for some time. He told reporters Tuesday the site selection process is underway with the Chicago area as a potential location.
Misener says it’s the start of a long-term relationship with Illinois. Seattle-Amazon is the largest U.S. e-commerce retailer.
Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced the $75 million project Tuesday, saying Illinois has the transportation infrastructure.
The facilities will be distribution centers, but could someday include sales or other operations. The first Illinois facility is expected to open in 2015.
Officials say no state incentives were offered.
