How did Wells Land Amazon’s New Distribution Center?

WELLS – By now, many have heard the big news: Amazon is building a new distribution center in the small rural community of Wells, Nevada. The most common reaction? “Wait—Wells? Really?”

It’s a fair question. How does a global brand like Amazon choose a town of just under 1,300 residents, tucked at the base of the Humboldt Mountains? We sat down with Sheldon Mudd, Executive Director of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority (NNRDA), to unpack how this major win came to be—and what it means for the region.

“Our work starts with basic marketing of the region,” said Mudd. “From digital campaigns and social media to old-fashioned emails and phone calls.” When Mudd stepped into the role seven years ago, he found outdated websites and social media accounts. Since then, NNRDA has taken a proactive approach to marketing to let the world know that Northeastern Nevada exists—and it’s open for business.

“Fortunately, I have a great board who share a common vision,” Mudd continued. “They understand that a rising tide lifts all boats.” NNRDA’s board includes representatives from its member counties and cities, as well as private industry stakeholders, all focused on creating opportunity through industrial development.

One common misconception, Mudd noted, is that NNRDA recruits retail chains like Costco or Olive Garden. “We’ll support any type of business that wants to set up here—from home-based businesses to big box retail—but our primary focus is industry,” he explained. “We say in economic development: ‘Retail follows rooftops.’ And rooftops are created by industry. If you want a Costco, you need houses. If you want houses, you need jobs—and that starts with industry.”

NNRDA first engaged with representatives from Amazon in October 2024, though the company’s identity wasn’t initially disclosed. “That’s standard,” said Mudd. “Big companies play it close to the chest. We were simply told they were looking for warehouse and distribution space.”

Over several weeks, NNRDA provided multiple site options across the region, backed by detailed data on infrastructure, logistics, and amenities. By November, Amazon had zeroed in on a parcel in the Wells Industrial Park and initiated planning and engineering work.

But this project didn’t come together overnight. More than two decades ago, city leaders in Wells had the foresight to invest in a municipally owned industrial park, complete with water, sewer, fire suppression, and even high-speed internet. “That level of readiness can’t be overlooked,” said Mudd. “You can’t expect a company to buy bare land and fund everything from scratch. The communities that win are the ones like Wells—those that prepare.”

“We were blown away when Sheldon brought us this project,” said Jason Pengelly, City Manager for Wells. “We knew things had to move quickly, and our entire team stepped up.” Mudd noted that the city put on a “clinic” in how to support economic development, especially under the pressure of confidentiality. “Getting people to act quickly without knowing who the client is—that’s a tough ask,” he said. “But they did it.” In the end, the company praised the city’s proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

By early 2025, Amazon had signed a Letter of Intent and began due diligence, including the acquisition of 10 acres in the industrial park. Dirt work is already underway for a 12,000-square-foot facility with accompanying parking and traffic infrastructure. The center will cover roughly five acres and is expected to generate around 100 jobs.

More importantly, it introduces a brand-new industry to the Wells economy.

“Wells has long been supported by agriculture and travel,” said Mudd. “But now, with Aultra Tank and Equipment bringing fabrication, and Amazon introducing warehousing and distribution, we’re starting to see real diversification. That changes everything.”

Mudd, who remembers driving through Wells in the 1980s, remarked that “very little has changed since then.” But that’s starting to shift. “We’ve known for a long time that Wells had incredible logistical advantages. We just had to get the message out. Amazon’s decision validated what we’ve known for years.”

Wells Mayor Gary Pollock summed it up best: “Wells is a great community filled with great people. I’m so proud of our team for helping make this happen—and grateful that we’re finally seeing economic opportunities like this come our way.”