Amazon closing Kansas distribution plant next year; not clear how many employees affected

Amazon.com plans to close a distribution center in southeast Kansas in February, but it isn't clear how many employees the move will affect.

Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce executive director Stacia Meek said Wednesday that Amazon informed her of the closure in an email Tuesday evening.

The Seattle-based online retailer did not immediately return email and phone messages seeking comment.

Meek says Amazon told her the closure is part of a move to have its distribution centers closer to the bulk of its customers.

Coffeyville is a rural town about 70 miles north of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Amazon is one of the area's largest employers, though its workforce fluctuates widely.

The Parsons Sun first reported the closure plans and noted the company recently celebrated its 15th year anniversary in Coffeyville.