Woolworths has begun construction of its new A$184m Heathwood distribution centre in southeast Queensland.
The 42,000m2 temperature-controlled facility will enable fresher, faster and more efficient deliveries of around 4,000 frozen and chilled products to more than 260 stores across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The centre is set to open in the first half of 2022 and will help take up to 390 truck movements off Brisbane roads each week by consolidating delivery loads to stores.
Dale Acton, General Manager for Queensland of Primary Connect, Woolworths’ supply chain arm said the company was thrilled to be improving its supply chain network.
'This development will help us deliver better service and fresher food to our stores, take trucks off Brisbane’s roads, and create exciting new career opportunities for Queenslanders. The extra delivery capacity enabled through the Heathwood distribution centre will be key to supporting our continued growth in Queensland for many years to come,” said Acton.
“Over the next five years we plan to inject a total of A$500m into the Queensland economy across our store network and supply chain, e-commerce and shopping centre developments — creating more than 5,000 new jobs.'
At full capacity, more than 2m cartons a week will move through the Heathwood distribution centre bringing customers chilled and frozen goods from more than 400 suppliers. The centre is also targeting a Five Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, with a major solar panel system on the roof and charge points for electric trucks.
