Construction has commenced on Metcash’s new ‘best in class’ distribution centre in Gepps Cross, South Australia that will service independent food and liquor retail networks across the state.

The 68,000m² centre will offer increased operational efficiencies, greater range capacity, including in fresh foods and ‘best in class’ solutions.

The centre will provide retailers with access to a wider range of products than that currently available through the distribution centre at Kidman Park and will also benefit local suppliers by providing an efficient route to market for their products.

Metcash held a ‘turning of the soil’ event at the site last week with Jeff Adams (Group CEO, Metcash) Joseph Romeo (Owner, Romeo’s Retail Group and Chair, IGA National Retailer Council), Franklin dos Santos (Chairman, Foodland) and Andrew Simons (Head of Industrial Development, Charter Hall) all present.

Speaking at the event Adams said that championing the success of independent retailers is at the core of the business.

“Our decision to proceed with a new ‘best in class’ distribution centre in South Australia is a reflection of this,” Adams said.

“South Australia is one of Australia’s most competitive states for supermarkets, so the new DC is particularly important from this perspective. The new DC reflects a significant, long-term investment by Metcash in South Australia to help ensure the future competitiveness of our independent retailers here.”

The centre is expected to be completed by mid 2020 and will employ approximately 300 staff.

This story originally appeared on sister-site Inside FMCG.