Drakes Supermarkets announces $80m distribution centre and creation of up to 550 jobs in Edinburgh North
A DRAKES supermarket distribution centre worth $80 million will be developed in Adelaide’s north and is expected to create up to 550 jobs.
North & North East
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A DRAKES Supermarket distribution centre worth $80 million will be developed in Adelaide’s north and is expected to create up to 550 jobs.
The independent grocery retailer announced the project Tuesday morning, confirming it would be built on a 17ha site on Stebonheath Rd at Edinburgh North.
The development, fully funded by the local family-owned business, already has planning consent from Playford Council.
It is expected to be operational by June next year — creating about 300 jobs during construction and up to 250 further full-time equivalent positions once the state-of-the-art facility is up and running.
Once complete, the centre will stock about 23,000 separate lines of products including grocery, dairy and frozen foods. Preliminary site works have already started with scope for future development on the land.
More than $12m of robotics will be used to run a warehouse picking system.
Drakes Supermarkets general manager Bob Soang said people in the northern suburbs deserved a break after recent rough years.
“It’s a long-term investment and vote of confidence in our loyal customers and suppliers,” Mr Soang said.
“As a local family-owned business we are pleased to create so many jobs in the northern
suburbs of Adelaide which have faced many challenges in recent years.
“(And) this is a major investment in the sustainable future of Drakes Supermarkets in SA.”
Mr Soang said the centre would be the “most advanced independent distribution and logistics” facility in the state.
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the centre was another step away from the “doom and gloom predicted by Holden’s closure”.
He said the Playford district was perfectly positioned to accommodate the development.
“This is just one of many private investments coming into our region which is clear evidence that our council is taking active role in shaping the future for Adelaide’s north,” he said.
An existing fresh fruit and vegetable distribution centre at Pooraka and meat distribution centre at Beverley will continue to operate.
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