New $145 million distribution centre to support Aldi’s expansion plans
Supermarket chain Aldi has opened a $145 million Warehouse and Distribution Centre in Prestons, western Sydney, providing a key plank in their expansion plans.
“The 56,000 square metre Prestons Warehouse and Distribution Centre is one of the largest ALDI facilities in the world and it will support the addition of another 80 Aldi stores to the current network of 85 stores in New South Wales,” David Zalunardo, Managing Director Prestons Region, said. “Importantly it will help support our expansion into southern Sydney…”
The company cited key features including an ‘efficient floor layout’ that enables product drop offs from suppliers into the warehouse and store order pickups by Aldi trucks to occur seamlessly and quickly.
The facility has a large freezer, chiller and a temperature controlled chocolate room which also stores fresh produce such as avocados, onions, potatoes and bananas.
“We are particularly proud of the design elements such as the water irrigation catchment tanks installed to capture rainwater runoff to operate the on-site toilets, water the gardens and supply the truck wash-down area, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability,” Mr Zalunardo added.
The new centre currently services 31 stores, but this figure is expected to grow to 52 stores by December 2010.