Woolworths has officially opened its new automated distribution centre in Kirrawee, a $350 million facility that will service supermarkets across Sydney’s southern suburbs with what the company calls its most advanced logistics technology.

The 50,000 square metre facility, located in the Kirrawee industrial area, features robotic picking systems, automated storage and retrieval, and AI-powered inventory management designed to speed deliveries and reduce out-of-stock items at local stores.

“This facility represents the future of grocery logistics,” said Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell at the opening ceremony. “It will transform how we get products from suppliers to shelves across the St George and Sutherland Shire regions.”

Inside the Facility

The distribution centre incorporates several cutting-edge technologies:

Robotic Picking Over 1,000 autonomous robots navigate the warehouse floor, retrieving products and delivering them to packing stations. The robots communicate wirelessly to coordinate movements, processing orders far faster than traditional manual picking.

Automated Storage A high-density storage system uses robotic cranes to stack and retrieve pallets up to 30 metres high. Products are automatically positioned based on demand patterns, with fast-moving items placed for quickest access.

AI Inventory Management The facility’s AI system predicts demand based on historical sales, weather forecasts, local events, and other factors. It automatically reorders stock before supplies run low and routes products to where they’re most needed.

Temperature Zones Separate climate-controlled areas handle fresh produce, chilled goods, frozen items, and ambient products, ensuring the cold chain is maintained from delivery to dispatch.

Employment Impact

Despite the heavy automation, the facility has created significant employment. Woolworths reports 500 permanent positions, including:

• Technical specialists maintaining robotic systems
• Process supervisors managing automated workflows
• Quality control staff ensuring product standards
• Transport coordination and logistics roles
• Administrative and support positions

“The jobs look different from a traditional warehouse,” acknowledged operations manager David Huang. “But there are more of them than people expected. Automation creates as many opportunities as it changes.”

Woolworths has partnered with TAFE NSW to train local workers for the technical roles, with many new employees recruited from the surrounding suburbs.

Supply Chain Benefits

The facility services approximately 85 supermarkets across the St George, Sutherland Shire, and Canterbury-Bankstown areas. Expected improvements include:

• 30% reduction in delivery lead times
• 50% decrease in out-of-stock incidents
• Fresher produce through faster turnover
• More accurate orders with fewer errors
• Reduced food waste through better demand prediction

Local store managers report early positive results. “Products arrive faster and more reliably,” said the manager of a Miranda supermarket. “Shelves stay fuller, and customers notice.”

Sustainability Features

The facility incorporates extensive environmental measures:

• Rooftop solar generating 2 megawatts of electricity
• Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses
• Electric vehicle charging for delivery fleet
• Food waste composting and donation programs
• Energy-efficient refrigeration systems

Woolworths aims for the facility to achieve carbon neutrality by 2028.

Community Considerations

The facility’s opening has brought increased truck traffic to local roads, prompting some resident complaints. Woolworths has implemented mitigation measures including:

• Designated truck routes avoiding residential streets
• Restricted delivery windows during night hours
• Noise barriers along facility boundaries
• Landscaping to screen visual impact

A community liaison committee meets quarterly to address ongoing concerns.

The Kirrawee Distribution Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tours for community groups and students can be arranged through Woolworths’ community engagement team.

The facility’s robotic systems reflect a broader trend of industrial automation transforming Australian operations across logistics, manufacturing, and resources sectors.