Grocery supplier SPAR Australia says its new Distribution Centre (DC) in Sydney will improve logistics efficiency for independent retail customers in NSW and ACT, cementing its future in the market

SPAR Australia National Logistics Manager Grant Gearing says the company has been working aggressively to secure the premier facility which enables up to 1,000 SKUs of grocery, general merchandise, perishable and produce items to be pick packed.

“Previously all stock had to be sourced from SPAR Australia’s Distribution Centre in Queensland,” Gearing says.

“The new facility is capable of handling 80 percent of SPAR Australia’s current volume and cross docking the tail will deliver a cheaper cost to serve NSW and ACT Independent Retailers.”

According to Gearing, the DC will deliver a service that will take SPAR to the next stage of supply chain logistics.

“The facility we have acquired is brand new and has not only enhanced our service in cross-docking but will deliver the important ability to pick pack key lines”.

Operations commenced on 29th August and as of the first order, the lead time to Sydney stores was cut by 6 hours, Regional NSW by 8 hours and ACT stores by a massive 24 hours.

Gearing says responding to the largest issue facing potential customers in NSW & ACT, will ensure the company’s longevity throughout these regions.

“It will give all independent retailers a truly viable option for supply of goods in Australia’s tough FMCG market,” he says.

The new facility has direct access to the M4 and is in close proximity to the M5, giving it easy access to Sydney’s main arterials.

Since December 2010 SPAR Australia has converted 17 Metcash supplied stores to the group and has welcomed another 10 independent retailers to the group.