GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Amazon is now hiring more than 1,000 full-time positions for its new facility south of Grand Rapids, with local officials saying the number of workers there could eventually triple.

The employees will staff Seattle-based Amazon’s 855,000-square-foot fulfillment center at the southwest corner of 68th Street and Patterson Avenue in Gaines Township.

“These will be full-time roles that will help for our fulfillment operations, so folks will be picking, packing and shipping customer orders in a highly technological environment,” Andre Woodson, a spokesperson for the online retail giant, described the jobs to News 8 over the phone Monday. “This helps ensure package deliveries for the rapidly growing number of Prime members who love ultra-fast delivery, great prices and selection from Amazon.”

A banner hanging on the new Amazon facility in Gaines Township seeks employees. (Feb. 10, 2020)

On top of a $15 minimum wage, Amazon offers full benefits including health care and helps cover schooling costs. Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered. All interested candidates can apply online. They can also pick a shift preference and select an appointment time to attend a hiring event and orientation.

Gaines Township Supervisor Robert DeWard told News 8 that Amazon has already invested $150 million in local businesses during construction.

“They used local electricians, they used local plumbers, they used local pavers,” he listed.

He expects to see more growth around the fulfillment center, saying he’s already gotten requests about building restaurants, gas stations and warehouses nearby.

“It brings jobs and then residents spend their money in the township and it stimulates growth and it stimulates other industries,” DeWard explained.

The Amazon fulfillment center in Gaines Township. (Feb. 10, 2020)

In fact, the township is expecting so much growth that it’s looking into adding a transportation route that would start in Grand Rapids and have stops in Wyoming.

“It will service maybe some of your more marginalized residents along the Division Avenue corridor who may not even have adequate transportation,” DeWard said.

Township officials said they were told the fulfillment center would open March 8. Amazon would not confirm that date to News 8, but did say facilities usually open one or two months after hiring begins.