TNT to build new Australian depot
TNT is building a new AUS$40m depot at Welshpool, Western Australia, as it continues to redefine services for Australian customers. Construction of the depot is part of a two-year AUS$100m investment by TNT, in customer-focused infrastructure developments across the country.
The development is central to TNT’s goal to provide Australia’s number one express freight delivery service, said a company statement.
The 20,000-square-metre depot will be the flagship of a national upgrade of TNT’s express delivery hubs and depots. It will incorporate TNT’s largest fully automated parcel sorting system in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
TNT will move from its current site in neighbouring Kewdale, from which it has operated for 40 years, into the new depot in late 2010.
New depots have already opened in Cairns and Canberra, with a further two to open in Darwin and Townsville later this year, in addition to Perth. TNT is also planning a significant upgrade in capacity for Sydney in late 2010.
TNT managing director Bob Black said the Welshpool depot had the potential to redefine efficient freight transport and to further improve customer service. “Welshpool has been designed to best accommodate current needs and to foresee requirements at least 10 years into the future,” he said.
“The advantage of developing on a greenfields site is that we have been able to plan for future growth and the increasing demands of our customers for efficient handling and innovative services. The new sorting process and the delivery stream to and from the site optimise workplace and community safety. That is of paramount importance to us.
“We have worked closely with council and urban planners, as well as our workforce, to ensure that community and employee considerations have been factored into the planning process,” Black said.
Black said environmental considerations had been a high priority. In particular, vehicle access had been planned to minimise emissions. Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives include rainwater harvesting, energy efficient light fittings and use of sun shades and facade awnings, which were all designed to meet or exceed required standards.
