Woolies’ invests $1.3bn for new distribution centres set to benefit Aussie shoppers

Supermarket giant Woolworths has invested $1.3bn in two new distribution centres set to benefit Aussie shoppers and get groceries on shelves faster.

Woolworths chief executive Amanda Bardwell\at the opening of Woolworths mega Western Sydney Moorebank Logistics hub Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Supermarket giant Woolies has unveiled two new $1.3bn distribution centres in Sydney that will use robots to move groceries faster to stores but still create hundreds of jobs.

Woolworths’ new Regional Distribution Centre was opened in Western Sydney, in addition to a new National Distribution Centre located at the new Moorebank Logistics Precinct.

The facilities are capable of shipping more than five million cartons to more than 1000 stores nationwide each week, seeing supermarket shelves restocked faster.

Woolworths opened its mega Western Sydney Moorebank Logistics hub on Thursday. Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Automation will move grocery items onto pallets that will be “aisle-ready” for store layouts, enabling staff to refill shelves quicker.

The Moorebank logistics precinct is Woolworth’s largest single investment with direct links to Port Botany, rail networks and Sydney motorways.

About 1300 construction jobs were created to develop the centres and 800 people will be employed across the two centres.

Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell said the investment was about more than just infrastructure; it was critical for their customers, their team and future capability.

Woolworths chief executive officer Amanda Bardwell at the Western Sydney Moorebank Logistics hub. Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

“Our customers will benefit from better product availability and convenience, particularly in the run up to the busy Christmas season,” she said.

“We know they want to be able to come in store and find what they need quickly and easily. These new facilities are a game-changer, putting products in stores more efficiently and seamlessly.

“From weekly specials, to festive favourites, we know we have to have it on shelves or online when customers want it.

Woolworths mega Western Sydney Moorebank Logistics will use robots to move more than five million cartons a week. Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

“Behind the scenes, this investment delivers a more resilient supply chain, while the automation also significantly reduces heavy manual handling, which makes a real difference to our team members every single day.”

The precinct was officially opened on Thursday by Ms Bardwell, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King and Woolworths Group chair Scott Perkins.