Logistics firm Toll Group has launched its $160 million next-generation distribution centre in western Sydney, in a move it says will support the growth of online shopping in Australia.
The retail and e-commerce fulfilment centre is set across 32,000 square metres, incorporates 15,600 square metres of automation equipment and is capable of picking, processing and packing 375,000 items per day.
Toll said the centre allows retailers to shorten delivery times from days to hours.
The facility was constructed in collaboration with apparel retailer, Specialty Fashion Group (SFG), Toll’s anchor tenant at the new site. Toll and SFG worked closely to design the facility with scalability and future growth in mind.
“At Specialty Fashion Group, we’re constantly looking to improve the omni-channel experience for our customers, which includes offering faster and more convenient delivery options for online and ‘click and collect’ orders,” said SFG’s general manager logistics, Alex Linton.
“We have a highly specialised supply chain, so we needed a customised solution that would meet our ongoing needs as a retailer. We’ve worked with Toll to develop the site – from the initial design and development through to build, operation and delivery – and we’re excited to see the state-of-the-art capability in action,” Linton said.
The facility operates as a shared, multi-user facility, with capacity to support additional retailers and their supply chain operations. It offers complete omni-channel capability to help retailers adapt to the changing needs of their customers in an ever-competitive sector.
The combined Prestons site will provide jobs for around 200 operations workers, technicians and engineers, providing a boost to the local western Sydney economy.
The new facility achieves safety and environmental initiatives such as reducing the probability of safety incidents through a 70 per cent reduction in manual handling. The facility also has a four-star NABERS rating, is fully LED lit, uses rain water harvesting and has a carton recycling machine.
The site is ideally positioned on the corner of the M5 and M7 enabling convenient transport links to deliver at greater speed-to-market.
The opening event was attended by The Hon. Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight; John Mullen, Chairman, Toll Group; and Alex Linton, General Manager Logistics, Specialty Fashion Group, where a ribbon cutting ceremony took place to officially open the new facility.
Minster for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said she was excited to open the new facility which will provide a great service to Australian and international consumers.
“Staying competitive in a rapidly-changing global market requires vision, determination and an appetite for change, and that’s what Toll’s new facility will provide,” said Minister Pavey.
Toll Global Logistics President, Chris Pearce said today’s market is placing aggressive demands on retailers to provide fast fulfilment and delivery, without increasing costs.
“Toll’s investment in the new facility is helping our customers adapt to the new retail environment. The facility is equipped with $50 million in advanced automation technology so retailers can deliver their eCommerce orders faster and in a much more economical way,” said Mr Pearce.
The facility will be one of the country’s most advanced eCommerce fulfilment centres, transforming the way retail orders are picked, processed, sorted and delivered to customers.
“Retailers will benefit from the ability to deliver goods to their stores and direct to customers faster and more efficiently. And shoppers will enjoy flexible order times and faster processing so they can receive their purchases within hours not days,” Mr Pearce added.
“This advanced automation technology will increase our productivity fivefold – capable of picking, processing and packing 70 million items per year.”
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