Operations started at the new Amazon distribution center south of Binghamton with no fanfare.

The company's facility at the Broome Corporate Park in the town of Conklin opened at 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Amazon Prime delivery vans arrived at the Carlin Road site shortly before operations began.

Managers at the center would not allow pictures to be taken inside the facility that occupies about 66,000 square feet of the former Matthew Bender distribution center. A brightly-lighted warehouse floor was visible to a reporter who visited the site.

Construction equipment remained outside the new Amazon distribution center in Conklin on November 17, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Construction equipment remained outside the new Amazon distribution center in Conklin on November 17, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Newly-hired employees who were on hand for the early-morning start-up described a festival-like atmosphere as food and prizes were distributed to celebrate the opening.

Construction workers from Massachusetts remained on hand to deal with any problems that might crop up.

A group of delivery drivers loaded their vehicles on the south side of the building while supervisors explained company procedures. They were advised to stand by until all of the vehicles were ready before they left the center.

Amazon officials have not said how many people will be hired to work at the Conklin location, which is five miles south of Binghamton.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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