This morning, Volvo Group Australia officially opened its new Sydney parts distribution centre in Minto.
Boasting 21,000 sqm of floor space, it’s twice as big as the premises it replaces, also in Minto, which opened way back in 1975.
The new Volvo facility has capacity to hold 72,000 distinct Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), including traction batteries and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) specific components to support evolving fleet needs.
But it’s not just bigger: it’s also smarter, and embodies the many technological advances in logistics of the last five decades.
Managing the scale and complexity of this many parts is Volvo Group Australia’s new Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
A first for Volvo Group globally, this computer-controlled technology uses ultra-high density storage techniques to maximise the use of space, automatically retrieve the parts and deliver them directly to the operator at their console.
It seems the days of walking long distances and climbing shelves are over, as the centre includes purpose-built cranes that sit within the racking and remove the need for manual handling.
These support the lift and extend into the aisle to place parts on a pallet.
“This technology alone provides greater parts availability, reduced lead times, and improved first-time fill rates,” says Volvo Group Australia president and CEO Martin Merrick.
“The high-tech system significantly reduces movement, bending, and manual lifting. Combined with other ergonomic features such as height-adjustable workbenches, anti-fatigue matting and a comprehensive fleet of material handling equipment, the new Volvo parts facility makes operator safety and comfort a focus.
“Improving our teams’ work environment has been a key driver of this project,” Mr Merrick said.
“We’ve made improving ergonomics a high priority, and equipment of this level of sophistication makes a massive difference to the working conditions of our people.”
The new Sydney distribution centre forms part of Volvo Group’s broader investment of close to $400 million in Australia over the past 18 months, including strategic investments in distribution, retail and capability.
That’s music to the ears of Anoulack Chanthivong, the NSW minister for industry and trade, who attended this morning’s formal opening ceremony (pictured below).
“I congratulate Volvo Group Australia on the opening of its new Sydney distribution centre in Minto,’’ said the Member for Macquarie Fields.
“This new facility is a strong vote of confidence in our local area and in the NSW economy. It will play an important role in supporting freight and transport operators here in NSW and across Australia.”
