At three times the size Suncorp Stadium’s field (42,000 square metres) and $184 million, Woolworths latest distribution centre (DC) is setting new supply chain and sustainability standards
The Heathwood DC, 20 kilometres south of Brisbane, is targeting 5 Star Green Star certification as well as being the hub for 280 Queensland and northern New South Wales stores.
The DC has been partially operational since November for the Christmas period, but now, at full capacity the DC will distribute more than one million cartons of chilled, frozen, and fresh meat each week.
Woolworth’s meat supplier Hilton Foods Australia is co-located at the site and connected via an automated air bridge, taking around 390 truck movements off Brisbane roads every week.
The DC has 4000 solar panels which will provide all power to the site during peak times. A discharge rainwater tank will capture three million litres of rainwater and run-off. Native bee colonies have also been installed on-site, next to neighbouring bushland.
The build created around 200 jobs, with the DC now providing roughly 300 jobs.
