Volvo Group Australia has officially opened a new 21,000sqm parts distribution centre in Sydney, doubling its parts storage capacity and introducing the first automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) in Volvo Group’s global network.
Located at Minto in Sydney’s south-west, the new facility replaces Volvo Group Australia’s previous distribution centre, which has supported the company’s Australian operations since 1975.
The centre has capacity to store 72,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), including traction batteries and battery electric vehicle (BEV) components, supporting Volvo’s growing range of electric trucks and buses.
A key feature of the facility is its automated storage and retrieval system, which uses computer-controlled cranes to retrieve parts from high-density storage and deliver them directly to operators, reducing manual handling and improving efficiency.
Volvo Group Australia president and chief executive Martin Merrick says the technology will improve customer support.
“This technology alone provides greater parts availability, reduced lead times, and improved first-time fill rates,” Merrick says.
He says improving workplace ergonomics was also a key focus of the project.
“We’ve made improving ergonomics a high priority, and equipment of this level of sophistication makes a massive difference to the working conditions of our people.”
The facility has been built to a 5-Star Green Star standard, supporting Volvo Group’s sustainability objectives through improved energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
The Sydney distribution centre forms part of Volvo Group’s investment of almost A$400 million in Australia over the past 18 months across distribution, retail and business capability.
“This centre will strengthen support for customers in freight, public transport, marine and industrial segments, helping improve parts availability and customer uptime across Australia and New Zealand,” Merrick says.
The opening was attended by New South Wales Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong, while Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm officially opened the facility.
“The Sydney Distribution Centre is the first of its kind anywhere in Volvo Group’s global operations and it is an important step in strengthening our support for customers in Australia,” Alm says.
“It brings together safety, quality and efficiency to improve parts availability, enable faster service and enhance uptime – keeping trucks on the road where they belong.”
He says the new facility will strengthen Volvo Group’s logistics network as it prepares to support the next generation of transport technologies.
