Online retail behemoth Amazon has revealed plans to close its historic fulfilment centre in Milton Keynes, the very first such facility it opened in the United Kingdom.
End of an Era for Pioneering Site
The company confirmed on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, that it has begun a formal consultation on a proposal to shut the operation. The Milton Keynes site first commenced operations in 1998, marking Amazon's initial foray into the UK's logistics landscape. A spokesman for the firm stated the move is part of an ongoing evaluation of its network to align with business needs and to enhance the experience for both workers and customers.
Transfer Options for Affected Workforce
All 590 employees impacted by the potential closure will be offered the opportunity to relocate. The primary option is a transfer to Amazon's brand-new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Northampton. This massive £500 million facility is scheduled to open in May and will initially employ 1,400 people, with that number expected to rise to 2,000. Workers may also opt to move to other existing Amazon sites across the country.
"Our top priority is to support our people during this process," the Amazon spokesman emphasised. A collective consultation with the affected staff is now underway to discuss the proposals in detail.
Network Evolution and Local Impact
The planned closure does not signal a complete Amazon exit from Milton Keynes. A separate, large Amazon sortation centre, which handles a different stage of the parcel delivery process, will continue to operate in the area unaffected by this proposal.
This strategic shift highlights the constant evolution within Amazon's vast logistics and distribution network. The company is consolidating operations from its older, pioneering site into a newer, larger, and more modern facility designed for greater efficiency. The move underscores the relentless drive within the e-commerce sector to optimise supply chains and adapt to changing consumer demands.
