Woolworths FNQ distribution centre

Woolworths unveiled its newly upgraded Townsville regional cistribution centre (DC) following the completion of a A$12m (US$8.6m)expansion.

At 10,416m2 the DC is now more than double its original footprint and 30 new jobs will be created to boost the facility’s capacity to service 39 stores across Townsville and Far North Queensland.

The expanded site can hold an additional 435 fresh food and essential product lines and its cold storage area has increased to the size of three tennis courts.

Dale Acton, general manager for Queensland supply chain of Woolworths Group, said upgrade would provide a boost for the North Queensland community.

“Townsville has faced tough times in recent years, and we wanted to do our bit to aid the economic recovery after the 2019 floods. This project has injected A$12m of fresh investment into the region, created 30 new permanent jobs and will deliver a more resilient supply chain network for our North Queensland customers,” Acton said.

“With the extra space and equipment upgrades, we’re better placed than ever before to service our North Queensland stores year-round and in the unfortunate event of a natural disaster.”

The upgrade of the distribution centre followed a commitment from Woolworths in February 2019 to invest A$20m (US$14.3m) in its Townsville store and supply chain network after floods in the region.

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