Amazon is expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint with plans for a new advanced manufacturing facility in Greenwood, Indiana, that will include automated powder coating as a key part of its production operations.
The company announced plans to invest more than $100 million in the approximately 585,000-square-foot facility, which is expected to begin operations by 2028. The plant will bring fabrication, robotic welding, automated powder coating, and assembly operations together under one roof.
For the finishing industry, including automated powder coating in a manufacturing investment of this size is particularly noteworthy. The finishing operation will support production of components and products destined for Amazon fulfillment centers throughout North America.
Powder Coating Integrated Into Manufacturing
Rather than outsourcing the finishing operation, Amazon plans to incorporate powder coating directly into the Greenwood manufacturing plant alongside its other production processes.
The company says the facility will use AWS, artificial intelligence-powered smart manufacturing systems, and robotics to support its operations. However, Amazon did not provide specific details about the powder coating equipment, application systems, pretreatment processes, ovens, or coating materials planned for the facility.
Amazon did say the Greenwood operation will create positions specifically for powder coating technicians, along with CNC operators, welders, assemblers, manufacturing engineers, quality assurance specialists, controls engineers, and program managers.
In total, Amazon expects the facility to create approximately 300 manufacturing and engineering jobs, with the new roles averaging nearly $100,000 annually.
The combination of fabrication, robotic welding, automated powder coating, and assembly suggests finishing will be integrated into the overall production flow rather than operating as a standalone manufacturing function.
Amazon says bringing these advanced manufacturing capabilities in-house is intended to strengthen its supply chain and support the company's growing fulfillment and robotics network.
Supporting Amazon's Robotics Expansion
The Indiana investment comes as Amazon continues expanding its domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Amazon says it has manufactured more than 1 million robots in the U.S. These systems are deployed at more than 300 facilities worldwide and assist employees with 75% of the customer orders the company delivers globally.
The Greenwood project also follows Amazon's August announcement of another robotics manufacturing investment in Texas.
"We're thrilled to bring 300 advanced manufacturing jobs to Greenwood, Indiana, and to continue investing in growth and opportunities across the state," says Holly Sullivan, Amazon Vice President of Economic Development.
"This facility represents a significant investment in the Indianapolis community that will create jobs with a median salary well above the regional average," Sullivan says. "Indiana has a world-class manufacturing workforce and business-friendly environment, and we're excited to continue creating opportunities for people across the state."
Indiana's Manufacturing Base Plays a Role
Amazon says Indiana's established manufacturing workforce, logistics infrastructure, cost structure, and business environment helped it select Greenwood for the project.
Manufacturing represents approximately 24% of Indiana's gross domestic product and employs more than 518,000 workers, according to information included in Amazon's announcement.
The company also pointed to the Indianapolis region's access to manufacturing and engineering talent, including graduates from Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Ivy Tech Community College.
"Amazon's decision to locate this facility in Indiana is a powerful testament to the strength of our manufacturing workforce, our world-class infrastructure, and our commitment to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can grow and thrive," Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says.
