Woolworths has unveiled Queensland’s first new multi-million dollar online Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) at Goodman’s Rochedale Motorway Estate, to better serve the growing demand for online grocery shopping in Brisbane.
The approximately 10,000sqm facility is the only CFC in the Woolworths network to offer Direct to Boot and will support up to 30,000 home deliveries and Direct to boot Pick up windows a week, while creating up to 800 jobs.
Located approximately 18kms from the CBD and servicing an area that spans from Beenleigh to Mt Ommaney, the purpose built facility has wider aisles and more shelf space than a standard supermarket, allowing personal shoppers to handpick orders from a range of more than 25,000 products quickly, accurately and efficiently.
Woolworths Managing Director eComX, Sally Copland said: “Online grocery shopping has been well and truly embraced by our Brisbane customers, many of whom are looking to reclaim time in their busy lives.
“Over the past three years, we’ve seen the demand for online groceries in Metro Brisbane more than triple, a trend we are actually seeing across the entire state of Queensland. To keep pace with this demand we’re investing in new online infrastructure to offer our customers more delivery windows and an even more reliable service.
“As well as strengthening our network capability, this new state-of-the-art facility is an important part of our ongoing commitment to investment and jobs in Queensland. We’re delighted to be welcoming hundreds of new team members to our new facility.”
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP said “With the challenges of COVID-19 over the last few years, and constant changes to family-work lifestyle, it is great to see Woolworths investing in flexible retail options for consumers.
“The opening of Woolworths’ first CFC in Rochedale will help strengthen local food supply chains in and around Brisbane, as well creating more jobs for the Bonner electorate.”
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said:“Fast, convenient services are essential to meet the needs of our growing city, as modern life demands choice and flexibility.
“Brisbane is on a trajectory of massive growth and remains a top choice for businesses such as Woolworths Group for last mile logistics that maximise benefits for customers and create local supplier opportunities.
“This facility – that’s supported hundreds of jobs during construction – will create 800 ongoing positions for Brisbane locals across management, operations and distribution staff.”
Designed with sustainability front and centre, the facility features such as rainwater harvesting, and smart metering to help monitor and reduce energy consumption. The facility also features more than 850 solar panels that will provide approximately 20% of the site’s total annual electricity consumption.
Jason Little, CEO Australia, at Goodman, said: “Rochedale Motorway Estate – and Woolworths’ facility – is a prime example of Goodman’s focus on delivering sustainable properties that use the latest innovations in design, construction and energy generation.
“This property’s strategic location will drive supply chain efficiencies for Woolworths, placing them closer to consumers, allowing speed to market and ease for shoppers.”
Ms Copland added: “The opening of Rochedale CFC will provide a major boost to our same day delivery capacity in Brisbane’s south west – unlocking faster and more flexible online shopping options for our customers.
“We’re determined to have the very best online grocery offer in Queensland and this facility is an important part of our ongoing commitment to providing customers with high-quality products fresher, faster and more convenient than ever before.”
The Rochedale CFC is the next step in Woolworths’ QLD eCommerce network development, which includes the existing Woolworths Maroochydore (Big Top) Store, and supermarket store network.
Woolworths Group employs 35,000 team members in Queensland and has invested tens of millions in new shopping centres, stores, renewals and online infrastructure across the region over the past 12 months.