Metcash's new 20,000sq m perishables and fresh produce Distribution Centre in NSW on track to open in February
By Anna Game-Lopata | January 20, 2012
Metcash’s new 20,000sq m perishables and fresh produce distribution centre is on track to open in February.
The independent retailer’s $130 million development in Huntingwood in NSW integrates four business pillars from five sites into one. The company says the DC will have the capacity to assemble over two million cartons a week.
The company’s dry grocery operation commenced following the movement of 33,000 pallets in 650 semi-trailers from Blacktown to the new site in just one weekend last November 14.
With the 51,000sqm dry grocery warehouse up and running, the perishables and fresh produce facility opens this month, with the liquor and C-Store distribution businesses following later in the year.
“We’re very excited about this as it will allow us to deliver a total grocery offering to our customers on one truck,” says IGA Distribution Manager Paul Maraziotis.
“When liquor is integrated late in 2012, it will be the final piece to the puzzle making our business a one-stop distribution centre.”
With 22,000sq m of expansion capacity, Maraziotis says the new Huntingwood site provides many opportunities in terms of IGA’s offering.
“Not only do we now have the ability to increase in volume, but we can also grow our range and total freight solutions to allow our customers to compete more strongly,” Maraziotis says.
Situated close to many main arterial roads in Western Sydney, Huntingwood was IGA’s choice of location in order to maximise the effectiveness of its distribution network for both customers and supplier partners.
Metcash will also use a fleet tracking system that provides the necessary data to be able to better control fleet numbers.