TOLL has doubled the size of its logistics hub in Wellington with a $NZ25 million ($A22.7 million) complex to service the New Zealand capital and its surrounding areas.

Toll Aotea is part of a $NZ185 million ($A168 million) investment in the New Zealand market, with over 300 construction jobs created throughout the project.

Toll is also scheduled to officially open its flagship facility, Toll Tamaki in Auckland in two weeks.

The Toll Aotea hub, which can process around 800,000 parcels, satchels and pallets a year, is designed to support growth in industries including retail, construction and beverages.

The 8400 square metre warehouse, which is around the size of rugby pitch, sits on 18,245 square metres of land. The increased space has led to efficiency increases and reduction in manual handling.

Toll New Zealand Executive general manager Jon Adams said it will have about 70 employees stationed at the facility, including drivers and warehouse workers.

The facility neighbours State Highway 1 and is close to Wellington City Centre and is adjacent to CentrePort Wellington.

It is serviced by direct road, rail and Inter-island freight and plays a key role in Toll’s New Zealand network in transhipping freight from regional branches to Auckland and Christchurch.

Toll Aotea incorporates the latest safety technology including a weigh bridge ensuring every truck leaving the site is compliant.

Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD), the facility includes LED lighting, translucent sheeting to minimise light usage, adaptable lighting and mechanical controls to help drive down energy use.

Toll Group, which is 125 years old, is part of Japan Post. It operates an extensive global logistics network across 1200 locations in more than 50 countries and employees 43,000 people.

By Neil Dowling