Amazon Australia has opened a purpose-built fulfilment centre at Horsley Park in Western Sydney, following an investment of more than $400 million. Local council representatives and Amazon Australia director of operations Wayne Angus took part in the opening of the approximately 80,000-square-metre facility.
The site is about four and a half times the size of the Sydney Opera House, according to the company, and will be able to hold more than 10 million items sold on Amazon.com.au. The product range covers everyday essentials, electronics, beauty products, books, toys and homeware.
Jobs and local impact
Amazon says the centre will offer more than 1,000 local jobs once fully operational. Roles will range from entry-level positions with on-the-job training and certification programs to skilled posts in operations, human resources, engineering and workplace health and safety. Amazon lists benefits for permanent employees as including subsidised health insurance for the whole family, free life insurance, up to 20 weeks of parental leave pay and a free Amazon Prime membership.
Angus said the investment demonstrated Amazon's long-term commitment to the region and to providing what the company describes as a world-class experience for Australian customers. He added that, as demand grows, Amazon is focused on improving product selection and delivery speed while supporting the communities in which it operates.
Fairfield City Council Mayor Frank Carbone said the Horsley Park investment would create opportunities for businesses to distribute products and reach customers across Australia and internationally. He described the facility as a significant investment in technology and capability, while emphasising that the people involved, from engineers to transport workers, make the operation work. Carbone also said the site would provide a boost to the local economy, residents and small businesses.
Seller capacity and automation
The Western Sydney centre will also support New South Wales small and medium-sized businesses that use Fulfilment by Amazon. According to Amazon, the additional capacity will allow Australian sellers of smaller items to serve customers around the country more seamlessly.
The facility will use advanced technology to help staff pick and pack items for Amazon.com.au shoppers. Amazon says this contributes to its efforts to deliver a smarter, faster and more consistent experience for customers in Sydney and elsewhere in Australia.
Sustainable design and network
Amazon says the building includes sustainable design features and advanced inbound and outbound sortation systems. A solar array is installed on the roof, while rapid rollers at all dock doors and insulation are intended to maintain internal temperatures and reduce energy consumption. Motion-sensor lighting adds to the company's energy-efficiency measures.
The opening adds to Amazon Australia's local network, which now includes four operating fulfilment centres in New South Wales and five delivery stations.