Retailer modernises supply chain with focus on sustainability.

 

Officeworks has unveiled the first purpose-built Import Distribution Centre (IDC) in its network in Altona North, Victoria, consolidating three centres in a major upgrade to its operations across the eastern seaboard.

 

The 40,000 sqm IDC is the retailer’s latest investment in modernising its supply chain and will improve stock availability and inventory management, enabling a more efficient flow of stock to stores and customers.

 

Sustainability initiatives include solar panels to reduce carbon emissions, rainwater storage systems, recycling systems, electric car charging stations and recycled plastic bins and bollards.

 

Officeworks’ 15,000 sqm Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) nearby in Derrimut, Victoria, is operating at full stride, powered by 116 solar-powered autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and 32 sortation robots, after opening in mid-2021 in partnership with Körber Supply Chain. A new CFC harnessing the same technology is currently in development in Perth, Western Australia.

 

In addition, Officeworks has partnered with RELEX to implement a new end-to-end inventory planning tool as part of its demand and replenishment transformation project which will optimise inventory management and improve stock availability to better meet customer needs.

 

Officeworks managing director, Sarah Hunter, said: “Our new IDC and the strength of our supply chain is critical to delivering on-going value to our customers and the fast, reliable and trustworthy service and choice they have come to expect from Officeworks.

 

“It was important to us and our strategic IDC partner Austpac, that our first, purpose-built IDC together had industry leading sustainability initiatives and features such as Australian-made lower emission warehouse racking.

 

Officeworks general manager supply chain, Brett Kelly, added: “The redesign supports investment in our team members, providing them with the opportunity to up-skill, develop into more technical roles and to utilise leading supply chain systems, all further strengthening the Officeworks supply chain depth and capability.”

 

To launch the IDC, an event took place on 27 April with government representatives, supply chain and logistics industry bodies and Officeworks partners and suppliers. 

 

Austpac Transport and Logistics has been appointed to manage the IDC operations for all Officeworks stores in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.