Amazon has taken a bold step to solidify its position in Europe by launching a €10 billion investment plan in Germany. This strategic move aims to drive innovation and generate thousands of jobs throughout the country. The significant financial commitment underscores Amazon’s dedication to enhancing its logistics network, cloud infrastructure, and research and development (R&D) capabilities in its key European market.
The investment will lead to the establishment of three new fulfilment centers by 2024 in Horn-Bad Meinberg, Erfurt, and Großenkneten, creating 4,000 new jobs and adding to Germany’s existing workforce of over 40,000 employees. These opportunities will span various roles and skill levels, with openings in more than 100 cities and municipalities.
“Amazon has been in Germany for over 25 years, and our continuous investment in the country reflects our commitment,” stated Rocco Bräuniger, Amazon Germany’s Country Manager. The company’s focus on leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to serve small businesses and customers, along with empowering organizations of all sizes through AWS, demonstrates its long-term dedication to Germany.
A significant portion of the investment, €7.8 billion, will be allocated to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to expand its European Sovereign Cloud, a new independent cloud infrastructure for Europe. The first AWS region for this cloud will be established in Brandenburg by the end of 2025, meeting the rising demand for cloud technology in Europe while ensuring digital sovereignty.
Additionally, AWS plans to invest €8.8 billion in its Frankfurt-based cloud infrastructure by 2026, enhancing the AWS Europe (Frankfurt) Region and supporting the growing demand for AWS technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). This investment is projected to contribute €15.4 billion to Germany’s GDP and sustain approximately 15,200 full-time jobs within the local supply chain.
In line with its commitment to innovation, Amazon maintains research and development hubs in Germany, investing over €77 billion since 2010. These investments contribute significantly to the country’s economy and support advancements in AI and robotics at the Berlin Development Centre.
Furthermore, Amazon’s approach to capital deployment emphasizes environmental responsibility and social well-being. The company’s initiatives in Germany focus on digital skills development programs, supporting local communities, and enabling small businesses to leverage AWS technologies, aligning with its sustainability practices.
Stefan Hoechbauer, AWS’s Managing Director for Germany and Europe, highlighted Amazon’s role in fostering innovation and digital infrastructure development in the region. The company’s investments in Germany are part of a broader strategy to enhance its presence and capabilities across Europe, driving economic growth and technology innovation.
In conclusion, Amazon’s strategic investments in Germany and Europe pave the way for continued innovation on a global scale. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and creating thousands of jobs, Amazon is positioning Europe to tackle future challenges effectively.
