Kaufland to open first Australian distribution centre in Merrifield

Kaufland, one of the world’s largest supermarket chains, has confirmed it will open its first Australian distribution centre at the Merrifield Business Park (pictured) in Melbourne’s north.

The supermarket chain has purchased a large 28-hectare site.

It plans to construct a 110,000 sqm distribution centre, one of the largest of its kind in Australia.

It will feature temperature controlled storage, the latest automated warehousing with a 40 metre high bay storage as well as a 3,600 sqm office.

The total investment in the facility is upwards of $450 million and is expected to be completed in 2020.

The facility is expected to bring an additional estimated 600 jobs to the local area upon completion.

Kaufland, which is owned by Schwarz Group, the fourth largest retail chain in the world, will be joining Dulux, D’Orsogna and Steritech in Victoria’s largest business park.

MAB Director of Business Parks, Michael Martin, said the park had successfully lured a number of brands to relocate from interstate, including D’Orsogna from Western Australia and Steritech from Queensland, to take advantage of the location.

A spokesperson from Kaufland said, “our new state of the art distribution centre at Merrifield Business Park will be the company’s single biggest investment in Australia and enable Kaufland’s expansion. Merrifield was selected for its strategic location and ability to cater for future expansion of the facility.”

“The ability to tailor a solution for a client and to deliver opportunities of scale is very rare and why Merrifield Business Park is able to lure a global brand like Kaufland and other companies from interstate,” said Mr Martin. 

Daniel Eramo, Associate Director CBRE, said Merrifield Business Park was unique in Australia, being one of the only industrial land holdings offering such significant scale and flexibility for premier brands across the country.

“There are very few other areas where Kaufland – or any business – could purchase 28 hectares on one of Australia’s major freeways. These sites just don’t exist in proximity to major roads and transport links,” Mr Eramo said.

Merrifield Business Park in Mickleham is the largest masterplanned business and employment precinct in Victoria, spanning 330 hectares.