All around Australia, distribution centre hubs are springing to life as retailers continue to ramp up order processing, delivery speed and inventory management to meet unrelenting consumer demand. Western Sydney in particular is experiencing a boom in last mile facilities … and it’s only the beginning. 

Similar to other hubs evolving in locales just outside Melbourne and Brisbane CBDs, Western Sydney is experiencing growth and growing demand by home dwellers, businesses and investors. The impending delivery of key infrastructure, such as the Western Sydney Airport and major road networks are further highlighting the viability of building big in the area. And not just big as in larger facilities, it is also eliciting greater investment and ingenuity around tech and tools that improve automation and efficiency.  

You don’t have far to look in Western Sydney to realise that Industry 4.0 is now more of a reality in Australia than ever before:

Amazon 

Leading the charge, this year Amazon finished construction of its first advanced robotics fulfilment centre and the largest warehouse ever built in Australia. Spanning 200,000 sqm, the new fulfilment centre in Kemps Creek is Amazon’s second in Western Sydney and sixth in Australia. It is pioneering the use of robots that sort, distribute and move products. 

Catch 

Over in Moorebank, another retailer – Catch – has also opened a robotics warehouse featuring 360+ robots operating in a 36,000 sqm fulfillment centre, providing faster deliveries to NSW and Queensland consumers for orders that were previously fulfilled in Victoria. Improving processes significantly, the new robot led facility picks up to 250 items an hour, a major increase compared to the previous 50-60 items an hour.  

eStore  

Online shopping hub, eStore opened a fulfilment centre in Bankstown (its eighth in Australia) in 2021. The 19,310 sqm facility is its largest in NSW and has been designed to accommodate 77 AI powered AMRs working alongside eStore employees, with plans to expand and house more AMRs over multiple stories in the coming months. 

Booktopia 

Online book retailer, Booktopia has plans for a 20,000 sqm automated customer fulfilment centre to enhance operational efficiencies. It is anticipated that doors will open in late 2023, the CFC is in South Strathfield - close to its current distribution centre in Lidcombe and to its corporate offices in Rhodes. 

Coles 

Coles is constructing another automated Distribution Centre in Kemps Creek, answering the call to do more with digital platforms and automation. The centre is due to be ready in late 2024. 

Woolworths 

Not to be outdone, Australia’s other supermarket giant is planning its first automated customer fulfilment centre – also pegged for a 2024 launch in Auburn. Once implemented the 22,000 sqm centre and its technology will allow up to 50,000 home deliveries to be picked and dispatched per week.

Snack Brands 

A manufacturing, warehousing and distribution hub for Snack Brands Australia has been slated for Orchard Hills. The crisp company will complement (and be connected to) its existing warehouse with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will streamline efficiency, improve production and significantly boost employee numbers. 

Garmin 

As part of its post-COVID strategy spurred on by a boom in both fitness and online consumerism, Garmin – maker of GPS-enabled mobile technology devices – has invested in a purpose-built, world-class distribution centre in Marsden Park. 

   

These are a mere taste of the automated fulfilment facilities cropping up in Western Sydney - leading, innovative businesses highlighting the potential of the area. The area is one of a handful of booming regions around Australia strategically selected by organisations focused on taking their warehousing and fulfillment functions to the next level. 

Western Sydney is also the location for CeMAT 2023, following hot on the heels of CeMAT 2022 in Melbourne. Visitors will come face to face with success stories and best practices from the local surrounds, complemented by world class technology and globally revered thought leaders and experts. 

Interested in attending, exhibiting or presenting at CeMAT Australia 2023 on 25-27 July at The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park? 

Register your interest here.