Amazon’s Mega-Platform Near Lyon Nears Completion, Promising 3,000 Jobs
Lyon, France, February 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated Amazon mega-platform, located near Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport in Colombier-Saugnieu, is on track for its grand opening in June 2026. This colossal 60,000 square meter facility, which has been under construction for 18 months, is set to become a major logistics hub for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the south of France, promising to create 3,000 permanent jobs.
A Glimpse Inside the Contested Giant
The actu Lyon editorial team recently had the opportunity to visit the site on Thursday, February 26, offering an exclusive look at the impressive scale of the project. Despite ongoing construction, the immense scope of the three-story logistics center is already evident. Currently, 600 workers are on-site, ensuring the timely completion of the project.
Pierre-Louis Debroise, director of the Colombier-Saugnieu distribution center, highlighted the platform’s capacity: “This site will not directly deliver to customers, but we will dispatch packages to regional sorting centers. We can store 15 million items on the site.”
Robotics at the Core of Operations
A key feature of the new facility is its extensive use of “Amazon robotics.” These robots are designed to move shelves of packages, optimizing storage space within the platform. Equipped with four integrated cameras, they ensure efficient and organized operations. Debroise addressed concerns about job displacement, stating, “On the contrary, Amazon’s robotic sites are where we have created the most jobs. Some employees hired as order pickers are then trained in the maintenance of these robots.”
Logistical Impact: 300 Trucks Daily
Once operational in June 2026, the platform is expected to handle thousands of packages daily, primarily items no larger than a coffee machine. This will necessitate the transit of approximately 300 trucks per day, both to and from the facility, distributing goods across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the southern parts of France. A new road has been specifically constructed by Lyon Airports to accommodate this increased traffic, particularly during nighttime hours.
Recruitment Drive and Employee Benefits
Amazon is committed to creating 3,000 permanent positions at the Colombier-Saugnieu site. Currently, 15% of the recruitment process has been completed, primarily for logistics operations agents. A major recruitment campaign is slated to begin in March 2026, in partnership with France Travail.
Amazon has outlined attractive compensation packages for its employees. After 24 months of permanent employment, remuneration will exceed 2,350 euros gross, including a 13th-month salary and a profit-sharing bonus, along with numerous other benefits.
However, accessibility to the site remains a concern, as it is not directly served by public transport (TCL). Debroise mentioned ongoing discussions with Sytral Mobilités to address this issue.
Addressing Environmental and Social Concerns
The construction of this mega-platform has not been without controversy. Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns regarding increased traffic, noise pollution, and the overall environmental impact of such a large-scale logistics operation. Amazon has consistently defended its project, emphasizing its economic benefits and the creation of numerous jobs.
The company maintains that its robotic systems, while highly efficient, complement human labor rather than replace it, leading to a net increase in employment opportunities and specialized training for its workforce.
As the June 2026 opening approaches, the Amazon mega-platform in Colombier-Saugnieu stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of e-commerce and logistics, bringing both economic opportunities and ongoing discussions about its broader impact on the region.
Source: actu.fr
