Award winning national builder Vaughan Constructions has won the contract to build a new multi-million dollar, temperature controlled, distribution centre for Woolworths at Truganina in Melbourne’s western industrial heartland.
The new facility, to be known as the Melbourne Fresh Distribution Centre (MFDC) will cover a massive 4.5 hectares under roof with a further 5.7 hectares of hardstand on a 10 hectare site.
Vaughan Constructions Director, Eric Law said the appointment, on the back of Vaughan’s successful delivery of Woolworths’ 27,000 square metre MeatCo facility next door (now owned and operated by Hilton Meats Australia), would deliver fresh produce and chilled products to its supermarkets across Victoria.
The store will be connected to Hilton Meats by an air bridge/automated conveyor system enabling meat to be cold-stored in the MFDC before being delivered to supermarkets.
Mr Law said the custom-designed facility, which will replace Woolworths current operations at Mulgrave, will provide the leading national retailer with a market edge in terms of supply chain dynamics.
"We are very excited that our award winning team has again been chosen as the builder of choice by Woolworths to build a facility which will provide state-of-the-art refrigeration ensuring the quality and freshness of produce.
"The close proximity and connection to Hilton Meats next door, and to produce markets, will ensure Woolworths produce will be delivered faster and more efficiently to stores right across Victoria,’’ Mr Law said.
The facility’s 45,152 square metre built area includes 26,298 square metres of warehousing, a further 5,631 square metres of ambient warehouse, a 195 square metre operations office, and a 1,885 square metre administrative office. Hardstand of 57,283 square metres will include loading docks, parking, and truck wash and maintenance areas.
Mr Law said construction would begin next month with completion expected in late 2020.
Pictured left to right: Eric Law Director at Vaughan Constructions, Paul Graham Chief Supply Chain Officer at Woolworths and Andrew Simons Head of Industrial Development at Charter Hall.