Vaughan Constructions will build the new $135 million Melbourne Fresh Distribution Centre (MFDC) for Woolworths. It will be co-located with the supermarket's meat supplier Hilton Meats' production facility.
The MFDC development follows Vaughan Construction's successful delivery of the Hilton Meats facility in Truganina, in Melbourne's west. It will deliver fresh produce and chilled products to Woolworths supermarkets across Victoria and will be connected to Hilton Meats by an air bridge/automated conveyor system, allowing the meat to be cold-stored in the MFDC before being delivered to supermarkets.
“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,’’ said Vaughan Constructions director Eric Law.
"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 MFDC will cover around 4.5 hectares, which includes warehousing, with a further 5.7 hectares of hardstand. Due to its co-location with Hilton Meats, it is expected to take up to 600 trucks off the West Gate Bridge each week and a further 3000 truck movements off Melbourne roads each year.
Woolworths chief supply chain officer Paul Graham said Woolworths was proud to be investing in a best-in-class supply chain network in Victoria, as well as taking trucks off Melbourne roads and creating new jobs.
“At one-and-a-half times the size of the MCG field, the distribution centre will provide a significant uplift in capacity to support our continued growth in Victoria,” said Graham.
“This development will help us deliver top quality fruit and vegetables to our customers fresher, faster and more efficiently than ever before.”
The MFDC will replace Woolworths' Mulgrave Produce DC, which will continue to operate until the new facility opens in late 2020.
