Logistics News

Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre rising in Sydneys west

Company pledges jobs and advanced technology at massive facility

 

Amazon Australia aims to have its first Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre (FC) built by late 2021.

Being constructed at property firm Goodman’s Oakdale West Industrial Estate in western Sydney, the fulfilment centre will be equipped with “the most advanced Amazon Robotics technology”, the firm’s local arm says.

Along with saving on storage-floor employee costs – while gaining a promised 1,500 positions “ranging from IT, HR and robotics professionals, to associates who will work collaboratively with robots, to pick, pack and ship smaller items” – Amazon envisages robotics allowing for 50 per cent more items to be stowed per square metre.

The fulfilment centre will have a total floor area of about 200,000 square metres across four levels and house up to 11 million items.

“The Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre will more than double our operational footprint in Australia, enhance efficiency and safety for our associates while ultimately providing customers with wider selection and faster delivery,” Amazon Australia director of operations Craig Fuller says.

“We look forward to creating more than 1,500 jobs, the majority of which are permanent full time jobs, with the opportunity to work alongside advanced robotics to deliver the ultimate in service for customers.

“This investment will also benefit the 10,000 plus small and medium sized businesses who utilise Fulfilment By Amazon to seamlessly service customers across the country.

“We remain committed to enriching and giving back to the local communities and look forward to working with the Council and local schools and groups to contribute and support the community around our new facility in a meaningful way.”


Read how Amazon Flex was launched on the local market, here


The announcement was endorsed warmly by the Australian Logistics Council (ALC), of which Amazon Australia is an associate member.

“Today’s announcement is a further display of the confidence major freight and logistics companies have about the future, and the industry’s commitment to creating jobs for Australians during a very challenging economic period,” ALC CEO Kirk Coningham says.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of efficient, safe and resilient supply chain operations in Australia, and clearly the industry is seeking to maximise the opportunities presented by robotics and automated technology to deliver greater reliability for its customers.

“This will also require a very different skill set among the sector’s future workforce going forward.

“People will need to be comfortable operating sophisticated IT systems and equipment, in vehicles and in distribution centres and terminals, as customers demand greater visibility over freight as it moves through the supply chain.

“The influence of automation will also be felt, and those skilled in the operation and maintenance of robotics will be highly sought.” 

 

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