A $20 million warehouse just opened in Darwin will provide sorely needed storage and distribution facilities and boost Top End
A $20 million warehouse just opened in Darwin will provide sorely needed storage and distribution facilities and boost Top End export capacity.
It is a joint venture between Arnhemland Progress Association (APA) and Metcash Independent grocers. APA built the warehouse for Metcash Trading, who will own the facility and lease it back to Independent Grocers.
A spokesperson for the Chief Minister Paul Henerson says it is a bog boost for the community.
“The focus is the community [but] it is close to the port, which is taking advantage of the naturally deep water port that we have,” they say.
“The facility allows them to supply a large variety of goods and hopefully at a more competitive price.”
Henderson opened the new food and merchandise warehouse at Darwin Business Park last week, and says it is the largest of its type in the area.
“The new facility more than doubles Independent Grocers’ capacity to move products and will allow new categories of non-food and variety products to be introduced,” he says.
“About 80 Territorians are employed at the facility, with future opportunities for more as the business grows.”
APA aims “to build sustainable businesses that provide Indigenous people with employment and training opportunities”.
Independent Grocers supply food products from Broome to Robinson River, south to Elliott and offshore to East Timor.
It carries 6,000 lines, supplying businesses including Aboriginal community stores, service stations, hotels, motels, restaurants, convenience stores, takeaways and schools