600 permanent jobs set for Kaufland distribution centre in Mickleham

Hundreds of jobs will be up for grabs in Mickleham when German supermarket giant Kaufland opens a huge distribution warehouse there almost six times bigger than the MCG.

Kaufland stores are coming to Australia

Hume is set for a jobs bonanza when German supermarket giant Kaufland opens a massive distribution centre in Mickleham.

Kaufland has gained planning approval for three stores in Chirnside Park, Dandenong and Epping, and Australia’s largest distribution centre measuring 115,000sq m.

The centre, which will have space for more than 300 cars and 93 trucks, will be built at the Merrifield Business Park, which spans 330ha.

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A Kaufman spokeswoman said the company was excited to receive planning approval for the distribution centre.

“[We] are delighted with its strategic location and ability to cater for future expansion,” she said.

“At full capacity, it will create 600 jobs for the Mickleham area, and enable Kaufland’s expansion”

Kaufland managing director Julia Kern said the distribution centre would be a state-of-the-art facility for the consolidation and distribution of goods to Kaufland supermarkets.

An artist’s impression of what the Kaufland distribution centre in Mickleham will look like.

“Our initial investment of $459 million will create opportunities for local businesses and stimulate much needed competition and consumer choice in Australia’s supermarket sector,” Ms Kern said.

Hume Council’s director of planning and development Michael Sharp welcomed the German supermarket giant’s decision to invest in Merrifield.

“This announcement means more jobs, opportunities and greater economic development for our city,” Mr Sharp said.

“Hume City’s strategic location, strong manufacturing industry and availability of land in industrial precincts are just a few of the benefits for Kaufland investing in Hume.

“It will create hundreds of construction jobs and 600 ongoing jobs across various office and logistics related occupations.”

Yuroke State Labor MP Ros Spence said the centre was a huge boost for the booming Mickleham community and a terrific addition to the Merrifield Business Park.

“Local residents will have a fantastic opportunity to work closer to home,” Ms Spence said.

“I look forward to seeing even more great local jobs created as the Merrifield Business Park continues to develop.”

Kaufland is yet to determine when the distribution centre will be ready to open.