Woolworths is expanding its presence in Wyndham, announcing plans to build a multi-million dollar distribution centre in Truganina.
The new Melbourne fresh distribution centre will store and deliver fresh produce and some chilled products to supermarkets across Victoria. The 32,600 square metre facility will be built next to Woolworths’ meat processing and distribution centre, MeatCo, which opened along Dohertys Road in 2015.
Woolworths chief supply chain officer Paul Graham said the custom-designed facility, expected to open in late 2020, would replace the current Mulgrave produce and recycling distribution centre.
“The Melbourne fresh distribution centre is designed to have state-of-the-art refrigeration to ensure the quality and freshness of our produce,” Mr Graham said.
“It also provides additional capacity to support our growing business in Victoria.
“Our decision to build a new distribution centre forms part of our ambition to create a best in class supply chain network. Co-location with the Woolworths MeatCo and proximity to produce markets will provide us with opportunities to improve how we deliver fresher, faster and more efficiently to our stores in Victoria.”
A Woolworths spokesman said the new premises would create more than 150 new jobs.
Wyndham council future focused economy portfolio holder Walter Villagonzalo welcomed the announcement.
“It’s going to be of economic benefit to our city,” Cr Villagonzalo said.
“We need more local jobs for local residents, and Woolworths coming into our area will create additional jobs.
“We are the logistics hub of Victoria, and big businesses are recognising this … we’ve already got Target and Isuzu and other companies here. It’s good news for Wyndham.”
The announcement comes nearly two months after the Woolworths Wyndham Vale store was among the first in Australia to go plastic bag free, following a commitment by the supermarket chain to remove single-use plastic bags from all of its stores by June 30.
