Amazon’s newest last mile delivery station, known as DFG5, is now officially operating in Highland County, marking a major investment in rural delivery speeds, local job growth and long‑term community partnerships.

Amazon leaders say DFG5 represents the final stop a package makes before reaching a customer’s doorstep. The Hillsboro location was selected because it sits in a strategic middle point between Amazon’s first mile warehouses that hold customer inventory and the rural communities that have historically waited longer for deliveries. The company said Hillsboro offered strong transportation access, a supportive local government and a workforce ready to step into new opportunities.

During the interview, Amazon’s economic development team said the project is part of a larger national effort to improve delivery reliability in rural regions. The company has long operated last mile stations in major cities, but emphasized that not every customer lives near a metro area. Hillsboro, they said, “checked all the boxes.”

Community response has been strong. Residents began calling Amazon about job openings even before the building existed. Hiring began in March, and Amazon reported enthusiasm that exceeded expectations. The company expects to bring more than 100 jobs to the area and described the site as a low‑risk employment environment because of the high level of local interest.

Amazon also highlighted the role DFG5 will play in workforce development. Employees can access programs like Amazon Career Choice, which prepays for college tuition and career training. Workers at similar sites have used the program to pursue fields ranging from logistics to nursing, and Amazon said it hopes to see the same opportunities take root in Highland County.

Traffic has been the most common concern raised by residents, and Amazon addressed it directly. Delivery vans will not leave the site until after 10 a.m., avoiding morning rush hour and school traffic. The company also noted that DFG5 is a low‑truck facility, averaging fewer than 20 trucks per day, far below the volume seen at larger Amazon buildings.

Community engagement is already underway. Amazon’s launch team and site leadership have connected with the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations. The company said it wants to learn from the community, understand local needs and build partnerships with schools, especially around STEM programs.

Amazon emphasized that its investment in Hillsboro is long term. The company purchased the property and plans to remain in the community for many years. Leaders said they hope residents will soon notice faster and more reliable delivery, with packages arriving in two to three days instead of several.

Looking ahead, Amazon hopes DFG5 will become more than a warehouse. The company wants to support local nonprofits, collaborate with schools, help small businesses that sell on Amazon reach more customers and create a workplace where employees can build long‑term careers or use Amazon as a springboard into new fields.

Amazon leaders said they are excited to be in Hillsboro and encouraged residents and organizations to reach out if they want to connect with the site team. They described the community as welcoming and said they look forward to growing alongside Highland County.

Sponsor Recognition
Rylan’s participation in the Envision Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. is made possible through the support of the following community sponsors:

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