ONLINE shopping giant Amazon has announced it will build a new centre in South Gloucestershire that will bring more than 1,000 permanent jobs.

The new Fulfilment Centre, which will open in 2018, equipped with advanced Amazon Robotics technology, will begin recruitment early next year for operations managers, engineers, HR and IT specialists.

Amazon is increasing the size of its UK fulfilment centre network to meet increasing customer demands, expand selection and enable small businesses selling on Amazon Marketplace to scale their operations.

The robotic technology slides under a tower of shelves where products are stowed, lifts it and moves it through the fulfilment centre.

“We are very excited to expand our network into Bristol, which will in total create more than 1,000 new permanent roles with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one,” said Stefano Perego, Amazon’s director of UK customer fulfilment.

“There are several factors we consider when deciding on where to place a new fulfilment centre, and Bristol offers fantastic infrastructure and talented local people who we look forward to joining the Amazon team.

“Bristol fulfilment centre will be equipped with Amazon Robotics technology, the latest example of our commitment to invention in logistics on behalf of our employees and our customers.

“The Amazon teams are dedicated to innovating in our fulfilment centres to increase efficiency of delivery while enabling greater selection at lower costs for our customers.”

The 1,000 new jobs that will be created in Bristol from 2018 are in addition to the 5,000 new permanent roles that Amazon is creating this year, bringing its total workforce to 24,000 across its head office, three development centres as well as its fulfilment and customer service centres by the end of 2017.

Amazon has invested £6.4billion in the UK since 2010 in its UK-based research and development, head office and fulfilment and logistics infrastructure. The company currently has 13 fulfilment centres across the UK.

“It is fantastic news that Amazon is opening a new fulfilment centre in Severn Beach,” said Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti.

“This will bring more jobs to our area and offer careers with training opportunities, helping the local economy to grow. An international outward looking company like Amazon will help us maximise the fantastic opportunities for our region after Brexit.

“I look forward to visiting the site in the future when it's operational to learn more about Amazon’s ambitions for Severn Beach area.”