The brand-new facility in Broadmeadows will feature best-in-class logistics operations and state of the art automation technology, supporting GPC Asia Pacific’s position as a leader in the market, as well as ambitious future growth plans.

GPC Asia Pacific executive general manager of logistics, Jon Longbottom, said that the company had “significant growth” over the past three years and that the new facility will have state-of-the-art technologies to improve the customer experience. 

“Our new Broadmeadows distribution centre will have cutting-edge technology and operations to allow us to better support our stores, resulting in better support and service to our entire customer base,” he said.

“We are excited at the opportunities this brings for our business and the investment signals just how committed we are to the future success of the automotive aftermarket.”

The 25 hectare estate was opened in May last year by Asia-Pacific logistics business LOGOS. The estate plans sustainability initiatives including recycling 98 per cent of materials from the demolition of the existing buildings, incorporating Colorbond roofing materials to reduce heat and a minimum of 98kW solar panels on all facilities.

The estate provides access to Melbourne’s key transport network including the Western Ring Road, Tullamarine Freeway and the Hume Highway interchange, as well as the Victorian government’s planned North East Link, which is key for customers.

GPC partnered with business transformation consultancy TMX on its regional Australia and New Zealand supply chain network strategy and operational design.

TMX director of property Sam Dellios said the new facility will offer an automated goods-to-person shuttle and ‘very narrow aisle’ storage system which he said would “boost cubic capacity across GPC’s wide product range and support their future growth strategy.”

Broadmeadows Logistics Estate will, on completion, have about 127,000 square metres of sustainable, high quality warehousing space across five facilities. 

The new GPC distribution centre is the third commitment at the estate and starts construction this month with completion due in the first quarter of 2023.

GPC Asia Pacific is Australia’s leading automotive parts business and includes Repco, NAPA Auto Parts, AMX, McLeod’s, Rare Spares, Sparesbox with a network of more than 550 stores servicing retail and automotive trade customers across Australia and New Zealand.

By Neil Dowling