INSIDE COTTON ON’S GIANT NEW AVALON HUB
COTTON On will be able to handle 300,000 products a day from its new $40 million distribution centre at Avalon.
The first operational team members moved in last week as the 33,000sq m distribution hub started to be populated with the Cotton On Group’s 65,000 product lines.
At 288 metres long, the “DC” is about 117m longer than the MCG playing field. It is 125m wide, 13m high and has eight outward and 10 inward loading docks. About 220 people will be employed at the centre, which will be in operation almost 24/7 and has an associated 1800 sqm office including a gym, locker rooms and kitchen.
Group supply chain general manager Andy Sanderson said the new centre, one of two Cotton On distribution centres in Australia and one of 16 worldwide, was built with an eye towards future capacity.
“This DC is our e-commerce hub for all brands and will service customers across Australia who purchase online via CottonOn.com,” Mr Sanderson said.
“Our logistics and operations have been designed with the customer’s expectations around timeliness and accuracy of delivery at the forefront.”
He said key features of the new operation may find its way into sites around the world.
“Where we can replicate and have standard operating practice, we will,” he said.
In addition to online customers, the Avalon DC will also service about 450 Cotton On stores across the southern states of Australia.
The health and wellbeing of team members has been front of mind throughout the design with wide clean aisles, clear visibility and well-considered safety features throughout.
“Our people-first approach to business means that our team has been at the forefront of every decision we make in relation to the design of the DC,” Mr Sanderson said.
Cotton on has taken a 15year lease with a 10-year option on the building which is owned by Linfox. It is expected to be fully operational by the end of August.