Construction on new FedEx facility underway in Watsonville

A major business boost is coming to Watsonville. Construction on a brand new FedEx facility is underway along Highway 1 near Riverside Drive.

NewsChannel 5 was there as cranes helped erect the walls on the 196,000 square foot facility. Once completed, this FedEx hub will serve areas as far south as Paso Robles in Monterey County, all the way north to Santa Clara County. It’s expected to create hundreds of jobs, from employees that work in the facility, to truck drivers and construction crews.

“Tremendous boost in jobs,” said Watsonville Mayor Felipe Hernandez. It’s going to definitely improve our economy. It’s going to definitely improve the city’s purchasing power, the residents’ in the city’s purchasing power, so I’m really looking forward to this project and really, it’s a long time coming.”

This development could open the door to other businesses wanting to move to the area. The finishing touches are still in the works, like roads in and out of the area.

Mayor Hernandez said the construction should be done in the next four or five months. The facility is expected to open next spring.