Amazon plans 2 million-square-foot fulfillment center next to Meadows Field

Kern's profile as an emerging distribution hub soared with word Monday that e-commerce giant Amazon expects to build a nearly 2.5 million-square-foot distribution center employing up to 2,000 people near Meadows Field airport. The plan, which had been shrouded in secrecy until it was confirmed by County Administrative Officer Ryan Alsop, raised hopes among local industrial property brokers and a senior government official that more large deals will follow as other retailers take notice of the county's relatively inexpensive real estate, available workforce and central location.