Biscuit and snack maker Arnott’s has opened an automated distribution centre in Huntingwood, Western Sydney, to amplify its domestic and international operations.
The new centre, valued at $65 million, is adjacent to the group’s largest biscuit-making site and will serve as a pivotal thoroughfare for more than 60 per cent of its inventory.
With a span of 43,000sqm, the hub can hold 28,000 pallets, nearly four times more than its previous capacity, and is built with a “sophisticated one-touch” logistics system that leverages robots and automation.
In addition, the site incorporates a minimal touch point automation and a new palletising system with a 35-metre-high bay.
Tom Vicars, director of procurement and logistics at Arnott’s, emphasised the project is a significant investment to modernise the group’s network and ensure systems and processes are in place to remain competitive.
“We intend for Western Sydney to be the beating heart of our national operations, and you need only step into the warehouse to get a sense of the sheer scale of what we are hoping to achieve,” said Vicars.
“Its success is largely a testament to our working relationships with our automation partner, Daifuku, and logistics partner, Linfox.”
Michael Jee, executive GM at Daifuku, said the solutions within the facility are designed to streamline the process from manufacturing to delivery.
“With automation meaning, products are inducted, stored, monitored, and prepared for delivery with minimal human intervention,” he continued.
“This one-touch philosophy means that products and orders are managed and prepared faster, improving delivery times to store and providing unparalleled visibility and productivity.”
Alongside the launch, Arnott’s installed 2,464 solar panels on the centre’s roof, expected to generate more than 1500 GWh of renewable energy and will help supply up to 22 per cent of the Huntingwood’s site electricity needs.