Amazon set to build high-tech service hub for delivery trucks in Arlington Heights

Just as Amazon has revolutionized the way consumers can make purchases with the click of a button, it’s no wonder the e-commerce giant’s Arlington Heights warehouse hub is finding a new way to incorporate more automation into its operations.

The company plans to construct two buildings on its 20-acre campus at 1455 Cellular Drive to facilitate repair of its vehicle fleet, now that zoning approvals were issued this week by the village board.

All 412 delivery vehicles that come and go from the Arlington Heights site — part of the sprawling former Motorola corporate campus east of Route 53 and south of Dundee Road — will pass through a new 1,742-square-foot automated vehicle inspection building, according to plans reviewed by the board.

No employees will work in the garage, which will be constructed east of the main warehouse fronting Kennicott Avenue. Instead, an automated sensor system will scan each truck and assess maintenance needs, such as tire pressure and rotations.

Similar systems are in place at some car dealerships, noted Emily Rodman, the village’s director of planning and community development.

Then, vehicles will go to a new 4,959-square-foot fleet service center for light maintenance, such as oil changes and brake checks. It’s similar to a Jiffy Lube, Rodman said.

Operation of the new accessory buildings won’t generate new traffic or parking demands, she noted, since they will only service vehicles already based at the Arlington Heights location and not those from other warehouse hubs.

The new repair shop will take up 26 parking spaces west of the existing warehouse, but the Amazon campus as a whole exceeds the village’s parking requirements by about 200 spaces.

Amazon moved into the 215,000-square-foot building in 2020; Nokia Siemens moved out in 2017.

Construction could begin as soon as this year, but because of final permitting it’s likely to start next year.