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E-commerce Company Will Occupy The Former Ford Space In São Bernardo Do Campo For One Of The Largest Distribution Centers In The Country, Forecasting 10 Thousand Jobs And Starting Operations By The First Semester Of 2026.
Mercado Livre has decided to expand its logistics operation in São Bernardo do Campo, in the São Paulo ABC region, and is aiming to occupy a structure of about 400 thousand m² that belonged to Ford.
The change, according to the municipal administration, is scheduled to take place by the first semester of 2026 and could open up to 10 thousand positions throughout the project, depending on the progress of negotiations.
New Logistics Phase In São Bernardo
The company already operates in the municipality in a smaller space located in the Cooperativa neighborhood.
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The plan is to transfer the operation to a large warehouse on the site that housed the automaker.
According to the city hall, the discussions involve Prologis, a global company specializing in logistics real estate, and the Government of the State of São Paulo.
In parallel, Mercado Livre maintains its growth network strategy, announced at the beginning of this semester, which envisions doubling the number of distribution centers in the country from the current base of 10 units.
Historical Land And Industrial Vocation
The former Ford complex marked the economy of São Bernardo for decades and became a symbol of the automotive industry in Brazil.
The potential occupation by an e-commerce operator gives a new use to the space, preserving the logistical vocation of the region and taking advantage of already established infrastructure for road access, labor, and services.
This combination, municipal technicians evaluate, reduces implementation times and favors the expansion of electronic commerce.
Jobs And Workforce Training
According to the Municipal Secretary of Economic Development, Labor and Youth, Rafael Demarchi, the estimate is that the project will generate up to 10 thousand job positions, provided that the stages progress as planned.
The city hall claims it will prioritize mediation and training programs to meet the demands of a large-scale distribution center.
The expectation is that opportunities will be distributed across areas of operations, maintenance, security, technology, and management, with different levels of education.
Why The Former Ford Structure Is Interesting
The choice of a large pre-built warehouse shortens the implementation cycle and allows for the concentration of currently dispersed operations.
In addition to the significant rental area, the land offers flexibility for internal expansions, the creation of high-turn docks, and the installation of automation solutions.
The presence of routes such as Anchieta and Imigrantes facilitates the outflow to Greater São Paulo and the coast, while the transport network in ABC supports demand spikes.
Network Effect: Competition And Logistical Capacity
The expansion of Mercado Livre occurs at a time of <strong/intensifying competition.
During this same period, Shopee, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the country, announced the opening of the 14th distribution center in Brazil.
The opening of new hubs by different players tends to shorten delivery times, increase product availability, and drive the adoption of last-mile solutions in large metropolitan areas.
Current Operation In The Cooperativa Neighborhood
While the new address is not activated, the company continues to operate in the Cooperativa neighborhood in a smaller space, focused on specific stages of the logistics flow.
The migration to the larger structure is expected to be gradual, with a timeline tied to warehouse adaptation, team hiring, and systems integration.
The municipality states that it will monitor the phases of the project to mitigate impacts on local traffic and organize the public transport offering for the new shifts.
Relationship With Suppliers And Automation
Companies in technology, storage, and packaging are likely to be engaged at this stage to configure conveyors, sorters, pallet rack positions, and warehouse management systems.
Depending on the chosen solution, it will be possible to increase the processing rate per hour and reduce rework, maintaining higher service levels during peak seasonal periods.
The combination of automation and training is seen as essential to ensure operational safety and productivity.
Role Of The State Government And Prologis
The ongoing talks bring together Prologis, responsible for large logistics assets, and the Government of São Paulo, which acts in institutional coordination and the necessary licensing.
The municipal management complements the process with the issuance of permits and local authorizations.
Together, these stages determine deadlines for property adaptation, accessibility requirements, fire prevention and combat regulations, and urban countermeasures.
Urban Impact And Infrastructure Demands
A distribution center of this scale requires traffic planning, with truck routes, loading and unloading windows, and parking for light and heavy vehicles.
Energy and telecommunications adaptations are also necessary to support peak operations.
The city hall indicates that it is working in partnership with the company to evaluate mitigation measures, such as improvements to access, signage, and adjustments to traffic lights for peak hours.
Local Job Market Outlook
The estimated opening of job positions by the city hall could alter the landscape of formal employment in the ABC, especially for operational and technical roles.
Rapid training programs, in partnership with educational institutions, can accelerate the rehiring of workers who migrated from traditional industry to logistics services, maintaining the region’s economic dynamism.
Moreover, the presence of a large operator tends to attract new suppliers and stimulate the local value chain.
Next Steps And Points Of Attention
The parties involved are addressing the technical feasibility and commercial conditions for the occupation of the warehouse on the former Ford land.
The confirmation of deadlines, the definition of the scope of works, and the sequence of hiring are awaited by authorities and suppliers.
While the company maintains its strategy to double its national distribution network, the movement in São Bernardo signals the importance of the region for the advancement of electronic commerce in the Southeast.
Which aspect do you consider most decisive for the success of this center — the requalification of the industrial space, logistics automation, or the training of the local workforce?
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