Footwear giant commits to high-tech warehouse
Munro Footwear Group – which turns 60 next year – has pre-committed to a high-tech distribution centre at Charter Hall’s Midwest Industrial Estate at Truganina.
The wholesaler and retailer, which controls brands including Colorado, Diana Ferrari, Midas, Mollini, Mountford and Williams, will relocate from inner north Thornbury.
Following the deal, the landlord has 2.5 hectares to fill within the 60ha, $600 million business park, which it started seeking tenants for two years ago.
Bridgestone, Coles, Toll and Uniqlo are amongst the other major occupiers.
Truganina is 22 kilometres west of the CBD.
Autonomous Mobile Robot technology
On 4.98ha, the Founders Place property will contain a 26,354 square metre office/warehouse.
Fitted with Autonomous Mobile Robot technology, the distribution centre is expected to absorb volumes currently supported by third party logistics providers.
“The new AMR solution will increase picking speed and accuracy creating greater productivity and efficiency in operations, while reducing lead times to customers,” a joint statement said.
It will also optimise inventory levels and integrate with transport carriers, it added (story continues below).
Munro operates out of over 260 stores and runs 11 eCommerce businesses.
“This new facility is a key initiative in our multi-year growth plan to expand our business, optimise our customer experience and strengthen our distribution capability, particularly to support online sales,” the group’s chief operating officer, Marcus Barlett, said.
The property’s end value has been put at $50m.
The facility should be operational about this time next year.
Munro is represented by TMX, which will now project manage the development.
“This new facility will have one of the largest AMR goods-to-person deployments in Australia,” TMX Sam Dellios said.
“We have a long term partnership with Munro and through that, we’re able to comprehensively understand their business, design an optimised operating solution and procure the automation and property requirement,” he added.
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