Online retail giant Amazon is planning to create more than 2,000 jobs with the launch of a new multi-million-pound fulfilment centre in Northampton.

Amazon said the new building, which is set to be opened in 2026, will cover 2 million sq ft and feature three floors of robotics where products will be stowed and customer orders picked using advanced technology.

The development, located at the SEGRO Logistics Park near Junction 15 of the M1, will create 1,400 new jobs at its launch, rising to more than 2,000 within three years of operation,the company said.

Roles will include engineers, HR and IT, health and safety, finance specialists, as well workers to pick, pack and distribute customer orders.

Neil Travis, Amazon regional director, added: “The East Midlands is an important region for Amazon, with more than 6,000 small- and medium-sized enterprise selling partners, and I am delighted to confirm our ongoing commitment with this £500m investment in a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Northampton.

“The new site will create more than 2,000 new jobs, taking our total workforce in the East Midlands to more than 10,000 full and part-time roles, and our investment in the region to more than £4bn since 2010.

“Amazon continues to invest in our buildings and innovative technology to provide our people with some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, ensuring their wellbeing while delivering for our customers.”

Louise Wall, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “Amazon’s investment in Northamptonshire will create thousands of new jobs in one of the most advanced buildings of its type in the world.

“This is a significant endorsement of the strategic location of the SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton and the importance of our region’s role in the UK logistics industry.”