Asahi Beverages is building a massive new distribution centre outside Brisbane as part of a multi-year program to modernise its supply chain network.

Located in Redbank, Ipswich, Asahi will invest $150 million into its new site, which will use advanced technology including a high-speed shuttle system and sophisticated robotics.

The company said this will allow Asahi customers to access Asahi’s full beverages range more efficiently, from Great Northern and VB to Hard Rated and non-alcohol products such as Schweppes, Pepsi Max and Cool Ridge water.

The site will sit within the Redbank Motorway Estate, an industrial precinct in south-east Queensland. The precinct – owned, developed and managed by Goodman – provides direct access to key freight routes and supports efficient distribution across the region, the rest of Queensland and beyond.

The Asahi facility is expected to be fully operational by 2028 and create approximately 300 full-time equivalent jobs during construction.

Mayor of Ipswich Cr Teresa Harding said: “Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest-growing city, with Redbank Motorway Estate
playing a key part in our role as a major logistics and employment centre.

“Council worked closely with Goodman and Asahi Beverages to assess and approve this development, which will bring new investment and job creation for our region.

“With more than 2500 jobs already created across the estate, this project strengthens Ipswich as a destination of choice for the industrial and logistics sector in south-east Queensland.”

Asahi Beverages Chief Supply Chain Officer Adrian Benson said: “More than 97% of the beverages we sell in Australia are made by us in Australia and the investment in the new Redbank distribution centre further highlights our long-
term commitment to Queensland.

“The development will help Asahi simplify our warehousing and distribution network along Australia’s east coast while delivering sustainability benefits via more efficient distribution routes.

“The investment means more customers can receive our full range of alcohol and non-alcohol beverages more efficiently with one order, one payment and delivery on one truck.”

Goodman Australia CEO Jason Little said: “We’re pleased to welcome Asahi as a new, long-term customer to Redbank
Motorway Estate. This site offers outstanding automation and logistics connectivity, providing the essential infrastructure needed to support Asahi’s growth and service across Queensland.”

The facility is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating and will feature sustainability initiatives including 1MW of solar, native landscaping and 50,000L of rainwater collection tanks for reuse in irrigation and amenities.

The build phase is expected to take approximately 18 months, followed by a 12-month automation and commissioning process. The new distribution centre will not affect any of Asahi’s manufacturing operations.

The new distribution centre marks the second in a three-part national program of distribution centres for Asahi. It follows the sod turning at Deer Park Estate in Melbourne’s west late last year, with a third facility in Sydney to start construction
later this year.