Amazon Australia will open a second Melbourne fulfilment centre late next year. The facility will almost double the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with capacity to house up to six million items from Amazon.com.au.
The new facility is currently under construction in an additional 200 construction jobs and will more than double Amazon’s operational footprint in Victoria, enabling Amazon to meet growing customer demand.
Amazon’s new Ravenhall FC will join Amazon’s first Australian FC in Dandenong South which opened in 2017, significantly expanding its operating footprint in Victoria.
According to Amazon Australia, expanded capacity across the two sites will enable Amazon and its sellers to increase the proportion of items that can be shipped directly to Victorian customers from Melbourne and enable faster delivery.
Amazon worked with Dexus to secure the strategic location for the fulfilment centre at the Horizon 3023 estate, a 127-hectare site located in a West Melbourne industrial precinct which adjoins the Caroline Springs train station and is close to the proposed Western Intermodal Freight Terminal.
The lease for the centre was facilitated by CBRE’s Industrial & Logistics business.
Dexus’s Chief Investment Officer, Ross Du Vernet, said it’s a unique precinct offering world class logistics and warehousing solutions for customers.
“The public transport and high-quality amenity in the precinct are appealing to customers who are focused on their employees,” he said.
Craig Fuller, Director of Operations, Amazon Australia said the new fulfilment centre will also provide additional capacity for Victorian-based small and medium sized businesses who utilise the Fulfilment By Amazon service to benefit from its expanded capability.
“We’re proud to have played a unique role in supporting our Victorian customers during this unprecedented time, helping them to get the items they need for their families without leaving their homes. We are committed to improving selection and delivery speed as demand continues to grow.”
Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas said Amazon’s investment in a second fulfilment centre will bring hundreds of jobs to the western suburbs of Melbourne, providing local employment opportunities in suburban growth areas.
“We welcome this investment as a clear indicator of confidence in the state and attracting investment from significant global companies, such as Amazon, is critical to drive our economic recovery,” he said.
CEO of Melton City Council Kelvin Tori said the new facility is a massive win for local jobs growth.
“To have an industry leader and major employer like Amazon invest in the City of Melton demonstrates the outstanding opportunities our city’s location has to major transport routes by rail, sea and air and access to a highly skilled and diverse workforce.”
“As one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, it’s opportunities like this that will strengthen our economy and help ensure more local families can find work close to home.”
Dexus has commenced works on the site and will ensure it meets Amazon’s specific requirements, supporting more than 200 construction jobs over the development and fit-out phase.