SPAR Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to the local retail market with a transformational upgrade to its Brisbane (Queensland) Distribution Centre. The upgrade is set to improve business efficiencies and create significant cost savings while reducing the environmental footprint. 

For the past twenty years, SPAR Australia’s Head Office and Dry Goods department have been operating from a multipurpose facility, subsequently working with third-party logistics (3PL) partners to cover Chilled & Freezer requirements. From March 2022, SPAR Australia will take a 13,400m2 warehouse specific, purpose-built facility into operation, thereby bringing all parts of the business under one roof.

Boosting efficiencies

The new facility will help the SPAR country operator ensure all parts of the business work off the one system, gaining ultimate control over inventory. There will also be the cost-saving factor related to 3PL and their margins.

Moreover, the move will bring improved business efficiencies. With the purposeful layout, the warehouse will operate with comprehensive workflows. Docks on either side will provide unhindered pathways for ‘Goods inward’ and ‘Outbound movements’. In addition, warehouse targets around pick rates, replenishment, and receiving will be significantly improved. SPAR will also achieve better freight rates with a single pickup point compared to the current multi-site arrangement.

Additionally, the upgraded warehouse will help SPAR reduce its environmental footprint. As part of the build, SPAR Australia gains 100kw of solar panel power, LED lighting systems, and a rainwater collection depot. In addition, environmentally friendly gasses are used in the chiller freezer facility.

SPAR Australia will continue to invest in its offer to retailers and work towards its goal of becoming the nation’s independent brand of choice. The SPAR country operator has not just covered its current needs; it has looked to the future, with each area of the warehouse having a minimum 30%-50% growth factor included in the setup.

Preferred supplier cooperation

To achieve this transformational upgrade, SPAR Australia worked with SPAR International’s preferred supplier Jungheinrich.

Jungheinrich has already worked on several significant SPAR material handling equipment​, warehousing, and material flow engineering projects. This 18,000 pallet racking project is reportedly Jungheinrich’s most significant to date in Australia, boosting its overall market presence.

Source: SPAR Australia

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About SPAR Australia

SPAR began trading in Australia in 1994. The current company was formed in 2006. In late 2010 a new majority shareholder, Jardin Investments Pty Ltd, was confirmed. This development significantly accelerated the modernisation of the SPAR Brand in Australia. 

SPAR Australia Limited is an unlisted public company with an elected Board of Directors. SPAR Australia licenses and supports independent retailers to develop the brand. In addition, it provides a range of services through its Distribution Centre and offices.