Online retail giant Amazon has announced plans to close one of its major UK logistics hubs, a move that will directly affect hundreds of employees. The company is entering a consultation period to shut down its fulfilment centre in Milton Keynes, a site of significant historical importance as it was the very first Amazon centre to open in the United Kingdom back in 1998.
Historic Site Closure and Employee Transfers
The proposed closure puts 590 jobs at risk. However, Amazon has stated that all employees impacted by the decision will be given the opportunity to transfer to alternative locations. The primary destination offered is the company's brand-new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Northampton, which represents a £500 million investment. This new facility is scheduled to commence operations in May and is expected to initially employ 1,400 people, with that number potentially rising to 2,000 in the future. Workers may also opt to transfer to other existing Amazon sites across the country.
An Amazon spokesperson explained the rationale behind the network change, stating the company is continually evaluating its operations to align with business needs and to enhance experiences for both staff and customers. They emphasised that supporting their workforce through this transition is the company's top priority. It is important to note that a separate Amazon sortation centre, which handles a different stage of the logistics process, is also located in Milton Keynes and is not included in the current closure proposal.
Drone Delivery Service Prepares for 2026 Launch
This significant shift in Amazon's UK physical footprint coincides with the company advancing its futuristic delivery ambitions. Amazon has confirmed it has begun testing drone flights from its fulfilment centre in Darlington, County Durham, as a precursor to launching its UK airborne delivery service.
The service, named Prime Air, is slated for an official customer launch in 2026. Currently, the company is conducting a limited number of test flights from its base at Symmetry Park in Darlington. Once operational, eligible Amazon customers in the Darlington area will be able to receive packages weighing under five pounds (approximately 2.27kg) within a remarkable two-hour window.
How the MK30 Drones Will Operate
Amazon has provided details on the technology behind its delivery drones, known as the MK30 model. The company asserts the drones are designed to operate quietly, with noise levels comparable to a traditional delivery van. Their advanced onboard systems are a key feature, using sophisticated machine learning and perception technology to navigate safely.
These systems enable the drone to identify and avoid obstacles like washing lines, trampolines, or garden furniture that may not be visible on standard maps. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of the surrounding airspace allows the drone to take evasive action if another aircraft enters its flight path. Amazon is working closely with Darlington Council and the Civil Aviation Authority throughout this testing and development phase.
The closure of the landmark Milton Keynes site marks the end of an era for Amazon's UK operations, which began at that location over 25 years ago. Simultaneously, the investment in Northampton and the pioneering work in Darlington signal the company's ongoing evolution, balancing large-scale employment in modern facilities with a push towards next-generation, automated delivery solutions.
