Carvana to open $40 million facility in West Memphis
by September 20, 2019 2:44 pm 2,900 views
Carvana, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, will locate an inspection and distribution center in West Memphis, according to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The company plans to invest about $40 million in the building, equipment and infrastructure, and create more than 400 jobs.
“Carvana is an upstart company that is changing the used car industry through technology and great customer service,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “That’s just the sort of business model we have sought in our recruiting efforts, and we’re pleased to see these high-paying jobs coming to the Delta.”
The Arizona-based company, known for its moniker “The New Way to Buy a Car,” allows customers to shop more than 15,000 vehicles on Carvana.com, finance, purchase, trade-in an existing vehicle, and schedule as-soon-as-next-day delivery or pick up at one of the company’s signature, patented car vending machines.
Carvana currently offers as-soon-as-next-day delivery in 141 markets across the U.S. and has 21 car vending machine locations.
“Carvana has been growing extremely rapidly over the last several years and we are working to bring The New Way to Buy a Car to even more customers all the time,” said Carvana’s Director, Infrastructure Development & Operations, Benjamin Morens. “As part of our efforts to scale the business, we’re looking forward to working with West Memphis and the state of Arkansas to open a vehicle inspection and reconditioning center, and become a member of the West Memphis community.”
Carvana inspection centers, like the facility planned in West Memphis are where Carvana’s inventory is inspected, reconditioned, photographed and stored. Vehicles undergo a rigorous, 150-point inspection, have never been in a reported accident and have no frame damage, and only then do they become Carvana Certified.
“The Carvana facility will undoubtedly create national buzz,” said Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston. “That will allow us to showcase the city and state in a way that will put Arkansas on the forefront of even more opportunities.”
West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon said, “Our city has so much to offer in the way of resources, location and workforce, and we appreciate that Carvana recognizes that and their committed investment in our community.”