Countdown unveils new Auckland National Distribution Centre

Countdown unveils new Auckland National Distribution Centre

Auckland - 14 June 2011:

Countdown will officially open its new Auckland National Distribution Centre (ANDC) at Wiri today, with Auckland Mayor Len Brown cutting the ribbon on the 30,000 sqm facility.

Located at 60 Kerrs Road, Wiri, the ANDC is designed to complement Countdown's existing Mangere distribution centre and will service 7,500 product lines for Countdown stores in the North and South Islands. The distribution centre will also serve Progressive Enterprises' SuperValue and FreshChoice franchise stores.

The ANDC will manage the storage, allocation and transportation of slow moving stock, while the Mangere Distribution Centre, now renamed the Auckland Regional Distribution Centre, will distribute fast moving goods to upper and central North Island stores.

Progressive Enterprises Managing Director Peter Smith said the ANDC would streamline distribution and further grow the company's logistics network.

"The Auckland Distribution Centre represents a significant investment for future growth of our business," Mr Smith said.

"The distribution centre functions as the engine room of our business. It will improve the operational effectiveness of our supply chain and serve the long-term needs of our customers, our suppliers and our business," Mr Smith said.

The ANDC was rebuilt from an existing Progressive Enterprises site, which previously also housed Ingram Micro and Dick Smith warehouse facilities.

The $45 million refurbishment and construction programme started in March 2010, and included a complete renovation of the internal warehouse, with the installation of approximately 120 kilometres of new racking systems, a relocation of truck entrances and docking areas, and upgrades to all existing utilities.

Mr Smith said the ANDC also features a number of environmental sustainability initiatives designed to reduce carbon emissions.

"Motion sensor lighting technology, retention and reuse of stormwater and hot water pipe insulation will help us towards achieving our goal of a 40 per cent reduction in our carbon footprint by 2015," Mr Smith said.

The refurbishment of the distribution centre formed part of a broader $60 million investment from Progressive Enterprises also included the relocation and commercial development of new purpose-built warehousing for Ingram Micro and Dick Smith.

Mayor of Auckland Len Brown said economic development is a pillar of his vision of Auckland as the world's most liveable city. "Countdown's Auckland National Distribution Centre represents a significant investment in the new Auckland and in that vision," said Mayor Brown.

"Progressive Enterprises has a strong foundation and history in the south and its continued investment in the regional economy is a positive sign for the future prosperity of Auckland," he said.

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