Amazon sticks to Upper Austrian logistics plans despite rejection in Reichersberg

Reichersberg: Failed robotics project

The project in Reichersberg in the Innviertel, on the other hand, is off the table. Amazon had planned to build a highly automated "Amazon Robotics Sortable Center" there, i.e. a sortation center within the group's logistics network. The project failed due to resistance from local political decision-makers and will not be pursued further. Achleitner referred in this context to an online report by "Krone".

Schalchen as another location

At the same time, Amazon is preparing another project in Schalchen. According to Achleitner, the project is still in an early planning and preparation phase. Once again, a "Last Mile" distribution center is planned, which is to take over regional parcel delivery to end customers. The minister did not provide any more concrete details, such as on the timetable or the investment volume.

Achleitner expressed confidence with regard to the economic policy significance of the settlements. The question of whether to attract businesses does not arise, he said in the state parliament. This signaled that the state government fundamentally supports the group's expansion. For the Greens, who had submitted the parliamentary question, the development remains politically controversial.

Significance for the region

Overall, a dual strategy by the group is emerging in Upper Austria: the Enns port site is being pushed ahead at full speed, while Schalchen is to become a second hub for regional parcel distribution. According to the current status, the failed robotics project in Reichersberg will not be replaced by another Upper Austrian site.

Observers see the plans as a further step in the expansion of Amazon's European logistics network. "Last Mile" centers are a central element in the industry for shortening delivery times and organizing delivery on the last leg to the front door more efficiently. What immediate effects the additional capacities will have on the domestic labor market is still unclear.

Reactions and outlook

The municipality of Schalchen itself has not yet publicly commented on the plans. In Reichersberg, there had been a controversial debate for months about the effects of a highly automated sortation center on the environment, traffic, and the local economy before the project was ultimately rejected.

With the APA report dated July 7, 2026, the question now comes to the fore of how Upper Austria's location policy vis-à-vis the US group will be oriented in the future. While the state government is visibly accompanying the settlement, the attitude of the affected municipalities and the opposition remains to be seen.