Linfox BevChain’s purpose-built sustainable beverage distribution centre (DC) in Laverton, Victoria, went live in April.
Situated on a substantial 15-hectare allotment, the 70,000 square-metre beverage supersite has an impressive 72,000 ambient and temperature controlled pallet capacity.
This new site is the largest in the Linfox portfolio and builds on Linfox’s growing property portfolio in Australia and New Zealand.
The facility was built in partnership with Linfox Property Group and construction partner Qanstruct and reinforces BevChain’s commitment to support the growing beverage market.
Expanding Linfox’s property footprint to support customer growth is a key element of Linfox’s Leading the Way business strategy. The opening of the Laverton site complements other completed and ongoing property investments in key locations across western Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Queensland and Perth.
Beverage segments are diversifying, with niche categories emerging and growing across craft beer, spirits, wine, ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic segments.
The new site, which boasts almost double the capacity of the previous Victorian site, will provide extra capacity for BevChain’s customers seeking to accommodate growing consumer demand.
Linfox President BevChain, Misha Shliapnikoff said the site is the new home to 14 well-known customers, including major retail and beverage suppliers, with room to expand to other customers in the future.
“The broad range of customers and diversification of product categories requires our people to be trained on different material handling equipment and picking methods.
“Our team members have undergone extensive training to safely and efficiently handle the different equipment and picking methods. The team also provides cross docking and rework services,” said Misha.
Strategically located in the industrial heartland of Melbourne’s west, the DC is conveniently close to customer manufacturing plants, major customer warehouses, and major arterials, including the new West Gate tunnel.
The site offers a high level of security for people, products and equipment, reinforcing the importance of partnering with a dedicated beverage logistics specialist to consistently meet consumer demand.
“Thank you to all the team members who worked hard to ensure a smooth transition for our people and our customers,” said Misha.
Built with the environment in mind
In line with Linfox and BevChain’s commitment to act sustainably, the facility was designed and built to achieve 5 Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Sustainability features include:
- 950kW solar PV system
- Provision for future battery technology
- Smart LED lighting
- EV charging capability for electric, material handling equipment, battery trucks and passenger vehicles
- Rainwater harvesting
- Operational waste management plan towards zero waste to landfill
- Climate change resilience to withstand extreme weather condition
These are important elements of Linfox’s decarbonisation program, helping to reduce reliance on the electric grid.