FedEx to create jobs at new hub in Oregon
A new FedEx shipping hub will soon bring hundreds of jobs in Oregon, US.
A new FedEx shipping hub will soon bring hundreds of jobs in Oregon, US.
A 78-acre chunk of land off Interstate 84 will soon be home to a new FedEx Ground hub that will employ up to 750 people in the city of Troutdale.
Town mayor Jim Kight said news of the project couldn’t have come at a better time for his city.
“All we’re hearing is negative news in the press about the Dow Jones is falling,” Kight said. “Everybody’s 401k is becoming a 201k, so this is great news.”
According to FedEx, its Swan Island shipping facility will shut down when the new Troutdale hub begins operation. It currently has about 500 employees who will be moved to Troutdale. Kight said that leaves up to 250 new jobs to be filled at the end of 2009 and early 2010.
“When you have 750 employees stationed here, they’re going to be shopping, they’re going to be eating lunch and dinner and they’re going to be moving into the area,” Kight said.
The construction site is located near the Troutdale Airport at the old Reynolds Aluminum plant that was built in 1941.
Kight said the jobs will be a much-needed boost to the entire East County economy, with Troutdale, Gresham, Fairview and Wood Village all benefiting economically.
“That’s great; we could really use that for what’s going on in the economy right now,” said Isaac Walters, who lives in Troutdale. “It’s much needed for everybody.”
There’s an additional 300 acres on the old Reynolds Aluminum site that can be developed, according to Kight. He expects several businesses to relocate to the area in the next five years.
