Chris Woods News

This article originally appeared in the Memphis Business Journal

Carvana’s new $40 million West Memphis facility is now up and running.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Arkansas state and local officials was held Tuesday, Jan. 5, for the grand opening of the used car retailer’s new vehicle inspection and distribution center in West Memphis.

“It’s a pleasure to join Carvana to celebrate the opening of its newest distribution and inspection center,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a release. “Hundreds of skilled automotive professionals from the local workforce have risen to meet the demand created by the opening of this new facility, and I look forward to seeing how Carvana’s investment continues to benefit the hard-working Arkansans in the Delta.”

Carvana’s 190,000-square-foot inspection center is located in the 217-acre Mid-America Industrial Park. The Arizona-based company allows customers to purchase, finance, or trade-in vehicles through its online platform.

Carvana will use its new West Memphis facility to inspect, recondition, photograph, and store inventory.

Mallory Darby, project manager for the City of West Memphis, told the Memphis Business Journal in August 2020 that each vehicle at the facility will go through a four-step, 150-point inspection. The West Memphis Carvana also includes a vaulted photo studio equipped with 360-degree photo technology, 3D computer vision, and augmented reality capabilities, according to the release.

Carvana hosted hiring events in October to recruit candidates to fill more than 400 positions for inventory associates, automotive technicians, and auto body and paint technicians.

“We welcome Carvana as our newest corporate citizen,” West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon said. “We are grateful for the economic impact this facility will have in our community and the employment opportunities for our citizens.”

Chris Woods Construction served as the general contractor for the construction of this new facility.