On behalf of Woolworths and Charter Hall, Vaughan Constructions delivered the state-of-the-art $135 million Melbourne Fresh Distribution Centre (MFDC) at Truganina in Melbourne’s western industrial heartland.
The MFDC will allow Woolworths to deliver fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and chilled products to more than 230 Victorian supermarkets fresh, faster and more efficiently.
The facility’s 38,000m² built area includes 27,270m² of temperature controlled warehousing, 5,678m² of ambient warehouse, 2,700m² of office space, a 4,442m² multi-level car park and 61,000m² of hardstand including loading docks, truck parking, and truck wash and maintenance areas.
The MFDC also houses the latest in banana and avocado ripening technology, along with world-class refrigeration systems to ensure top product quality and freshness on the shelf
Vaughan also delivered the neighbouring 27,000m² metre Hilton Foods facility (formerly owned and operated by Woolworths) which is connected to the MFDC by an automated airbridge. This enables meat to be cold-stored in the MFDC before being delivered to supermarkets.
The project is targeted to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating and incorporates a 1.5 megawatt solar system, electric charging docks for trucks, a drought tolerant landscape and irrigation system, double glazing, reclaimed and recycled concrete, bike parking and repair facilities, and a 155,000 litre water tank.
Vaughan Constructions Director, Eric Law said the custom-designed facility, which replaces Woolworths current operations at Mulgrave, will provide the leading national retailer with a market edge in terms of supply chain dynamics.
''We are very excited to again work with Woolworths to deliver a facility which will provide state-of-the-art refrigeration ensuring the quality and freshness of produce.''
''The close proximity and connection to Hilton Meats next door, and to produce markets, will ensure Woolworths produce will be delivered faster and more efficiently to stores right across Victoria,’’ Mr Law said.
Reducing both delivery lead times and carbon footprint, the MFDC’s fully integrated warehouse and transport management system will also help significantly reduce freight movements
It will take around 600 truck movements off the West Gate each week as Truganina is located closer to more Woolworths suppliers than Mulgrave.
Vaughan Constructions was thrilled to partner with Woolworths and Charter Hall once again to deliver another project that will set a new standard for fresh food supply chain facilities.