Words by Cameron McLachlan, Australian Automotive Aftermarket

To substantially shorten lead times and increase service to customers, distributors, independent stores and original equipment manufacturers in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia, Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group (“AAPG”) has opened a new state-of -the-art distribution and warehousing facility forty minutes’ drive north of Melbourne in Merrifield.

The 13,000m2 greenfield facility is the third distribution centre AAPG has opened in Australia and the organisation’s largest to date.

The site has enabled AAPG to close its Campbellfield and Tullamarine centres and increases warehousing capacity in Victoria by up to 57 percent.

The new site comes equipped with eight loading and unloading bays, virtually eliminating truck waiting times and expediting onsite logistics, and has been strategically set up to reduce stocking, picking, packing and delivery times to improve the organisation’s promise to the customer within the southern region of Australia.

The high-tech site is also fitted with a paint line, set to begin operations in February. This will enable faster customisation of Aeroklas canopies and other products offering greater flexibility and reduced time to market.

To cater to some of the more specialist needs of key market segments, AAPG says it has packed this facility with smart design and enhanced capability.

As an example, Original Equipment (OE) customers have the option of greater confidentiality around pre-launch accessory design as the Merrifield complex is fully equipped with a separate private entrance, and a totally enclosed and locked double bay engineering and design area for the upmost confidentiality and privacy on OE projects.

“Being a Brisbane based organisation we needed to make a significant investment in our supply chain capabilities in the southern part of Australia to see real change in our growth prospects in the southern states,” AAPG Chief Executive Officer, Greg Kelly, said.

“At the end of the day, our ability to offer customers what they need, when they need it, on time, every time, is central to our success.

“The proficiencies available in our facilities in the south now match our capability in the north creating some really exciting prospects for our business.

“This facility is really a game changer; it will significantly impact how we perform in these southern markets, from shorter lead times to increased range and stocking capacities. Customers from Hobart to Moree, Mallacoota to Streaky Bay will notice the difference.”

Leading the development of the new Merrifield site was AAPG Group Operations Manager, Meg Child. Meg was thrilled to see the project finally complete and operational.

“This project has been a long time in the making,” Meg said.

“Building this has been a great example of teamwork, and I’d like to thank my entire team for their tireless energy in bringing this project to life and everyone in AAPG that played a role in realising this opportunity.

“Looking forward, I can’t wait to see the improved customer experience and the difference it will make in their businesses.”