Kentucky State Governor Steve Beshear (pictured to the right) and Amazon.com are excited to introduce a new project in Winchester, Kentucky that could employ over 1100 people by the year 2017. Amazon is investing over $20 million in a 70,000 square-foot customer service center that is slated to be open by the end of 2013. Eventually the facility could employ well over 500 full-time workers and about 600 season part-time employees.

Kentucky Governor Beshear comments on Amazon’s new facility:

“Amazon’s decision to grow its Kentucky footprint is fantastic news, especially when you consider the impact of more than 1,100 full-time and seasonal jobs it will bring to the central Kentucky region,”

“Kentucky is proud to have Amazon choose Winchester for this growth opportunity and wish them continued success and prosperity.”

Amazon already has a fulfillment centers in Kentucky, but this will be their first device center. A temporary site in the Winchester Plaza could have customer service workers busy in the town by the end of this summer.

Senator R.J. Palmer II of Winchester, KY comments on the decision to expand Amazon’s efforts in Kentucky:

“I am thrilled that Amazon has chosen to open a customer support center in Winchester,”

“Amazon’s investment in this new facility will allow our region to reap the rewards of economic growth, development and jobs. It also speaks well of our workforce that Amazon has chosen to locate its operation here. I applaud Gov. Beshear for taking the lead to support our industry.”

Representative Donna Mayfield of Winchester adds to the sentiment:

“Since first opening the doors of their facilities in Lexington and Campbellsville more than a decade ago, Amazon and the Commonwealth have enjoyed a long and fruitful economic partnership that has created jobs for many Kentuckians,”

“I am pleased that the company once again has selected Kentucky, and in particular Clark County, to open a new customer service center that will employ more than 550 full-time people in our region.”

Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner comments on the effect the new center will have on the local economy:

“Being selected for a project of this magnitude will certainly positively impact our community, now and in the years to come,”

“The investment and careers that Amazon will create will ripple through our economy, putting people to work and generating income for our region. This is what economic development is all about.”

The Winchester facility will be distinctively different from those already in Louisville, Lexington, Campbellsville and Hebron as it will be exclusively focused on technical support and customer service, as opposed to warehouse order fulfillment. Hopefully it will have the economic ripple effect we have seen in other areas of Kentucky.