Officeworks has unveiled its first purpose-built Import Distribution Centre (IDC) in Altona North, Victoria, consolidating three centres in a major upgrade to its operations across the eastern seaboard.
The 40,000 square metre IDC is the retailer’s latest investment in modernising its supply chain and will improve stock availability and inventory management, enabling a more efficient flow of stock to stores and customers.
The development also demonstrates Officeworks’ commitment to people and the planet with improved amenities to support team member health, safety and wellbeing, and sustainability initiatives which include solar panels, rainwater storage systems, sophisticated recycling systems, electric car charging stations and recycled plastic bins and bollards.
By sourcing locally manufactured and produced warehouse racking, Officeworks has taken positive climate action, reducing 137 tonnes of CO2 emissions which is the equivalent of planting 7,130 trees over 35 hectares of land.
Officeworks managing director, Sarah Hunter said, “Our new IDC and the strength of our supply chain is critical to delivering ongoing value to our customers and the fast, reliable and trustworthy service and choice they have come to expect from Officeworks.
“It was important to us and our strategic IDC partner Austpac, that our first, purpose-built IDC together had industry-leading sustainability initiatives and features such as Australian made lower emission warehouse racking.
“We are pleased that through working with our building partners and a focussed design process, we have been able to deliver both a cost effective and climate positive building with systems like solar, water and locally manufactured materials, as well as car battery charging stations and native planting around the site.”
Officeworks general manager of supply chain, Brett Kelly added, “All parts combined, the benefits of our supply chain modernisation efforts are expected to boost business performance through increased capacity and efficiency, setting us up to support growth and increasing our resilience to adapt to potential supply chain industry disruptions.
“The redesign also supports investment in our team members, providing them with the opportunity to up-skill, develop into more technical roles and to utilise leading supply chain systems, all further strengthening the Officeworks supply chain depth and capability.”