The days of vending machines being used for just soda and candy bars are long gone. While they may not accept a wrinkled dollar bill, Carvana’s car vending machines are aiming to change the way people purchase their new ride. The company has one of these towering devices located at its Atlanta dealership. The 12-story mechanism is just one component of the presence the company has been building within the Peach State for almost a decade.
The Tempe, Arizona-based used car marketplace first came to Atlanta in 2013. Today, in addition to its vehicle vending machine, Carvana has established a collection logistics hubs and an inspection center that employs over 400 people. The company currently employs a total of about 1,500 people in the state of Georgia. This week, Governor Brian Kemp announced that Carvana is deepening its southern roots even more with plans to expand its campus in DeKalb County.
“Atlanta was the first market where we sold 1,000 cars in one month and is still our largest even though we’ve sold more than one million vehicles to date,” Ernie Garcia, Carvana’s founder and CEO, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we remain committed to our continued expansion within the region.”
Staying true to its word, the company is growing its presence at the State Farm Park Center in Dunwoody at 236 Perimeter Center Parkway. As it continues to increase its operations in the Atlanta metro, Carvana expects to hire an additional 3,500 people in Georgia in the future. Right now, the company is hiring to fill roles in departments including engineering, customer care and product.
Carvana’s e-commerce platform lets people buy, sell, trade in and finance used cars online with a marketplace featuring over 55,000 vehicles, according to the company. From there, users can sign contracts and schedule for vehicle delivery or pickup at one of its automated car vending machines. With about 30 of these devices located throughout the country, the company has grown to serve customers across 300 markets in the U.S.
“Carvana is another shining example of the success entrepreneurs can achieve in the no. 1 state for business,” Governor Kemp said in a statement. “I appreciate this innovative company for continuing to invest in Georgia and for placing their trust in our world-class infrastructure and workforce. This expansion will provide many exciting opportunities for hardworking Georgians, and represents another step in the Peach State’s growth as a hub for forward-thinking companies.”
