Construction of Mainfreight’s Christchurch ‘super-site’ freight terminal has reached a further milestone.
Stage one of the three-stage construction process is virtually complete, with the finishing touches being applied to the new 9000m2 pharmaceutical grade warehouse.
Mainfreight’s ‘super-site’ terminal is being developed in three stages to minimise disruption during rebuilding and extension of the existing site at McApline St, Sockburn.
The newly-completed stage one design complies with far stricter building codes post the earthquakes of 2010-11, and incorporates sealed container unloading docks and new earthquake-compliant engineering racking systems.
Craig Evans, national supply chain manager at Mainfreight, says that the project is intensive and on-going: “Stage two is a state-of-the-art freight terminal, due for completion by the end of 2014,” he says.
“Stage three will see major construction and expansion of the existing site further, to provide a 9500m2 rebuild and extension of the existing warehouse footprint, due for mid-2015 completion. This will add an additional 10,000m2 of warehousing and 5,000m2 of freight terminal to the existing site.”
The new terminal is being developed to meet increased economic demand across the region as it recovers from the earthquakes, and Evans says this is a core part of Mainfreight’s commitment to Christchurch.
“Mainfreight decided early on to lead the re-investment into Christchurch’s recovery. We have a long association with the region and have never hesitated in taking a long stride – this development is one of our most complex and expensive builds in this country to date.”
“The new building codes,” says Evans, “are designed to provide a safe and efficient working environment for our team. We expect improved performances in handling and distribution techniques, representing our customers’ goods.
“It will also bring new jobs to the area. Over the three years we expect the new capacity will necessitate new jobs – and we expect the final product will deliver significant efficiencies before the requirement of new team members.”
