Amazon Australia has opened a purpose-built fulfilment centre in Horsley Park, Western Sydney, after investing more than $400 million in the site. The company unveiled the facility this week with representatives from Fairfield City Council and Amazon Australia's operations leadership.
The centre covers about 80,000 square metres, which Amazon says is roughly four and a half times the size of the Sydney Opera House. It will be able to hold more than 10 million items sold on Amazon.com.au, spanning everyday essentials, electronics, beauty products, books, toys and homeware.
Jobs and workforce support
Once fully operational, the Horsley Park site will offer more than 1,000 local jobs. Roles will range from entry-level positions with on-the-job training and certification programmes to skilled jobs in operations, human resources, engineering and workplace health and safety.
Amazon says permanent employees will receive benefits 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.
Capacity for sellers and delivery
Wayne Angus, Amazon Australia director of operations, said the investment demonstrated the company's long-term commitment to the region and to providing a world-class experience for Australian customers. He added that as demand grows, Amazon is focused on improving selection and delivery speed while supporting the communities where it operates.
The facility will also support New South Wales small and medium-sized businesses that use Fulfilment by Amazon. Amazon says the additional capacity will allow Australian sellers with smaller items to serve customers around the country more easily.
The centre will use advanced technology to help teams pick and pack items for Amazon.com.au shoppers, as part of the company's efforts to make delivery smarter, faster and more consistent in Sydney and across Australia.
Sustainability features
Amazon says the building includes sustainable design elements and advanced inbound and outbound sortation systems. A solar array is installed on the roof, and rapid rollers are installed at all dock doors. Insulation is designed to maintain internal temperatures and reduce energy use, while motion-sensor lighting adds to the site's energy-efficiency measures.
Fairfield City Council Mayor Frank Carbone said the $400 million investment created new 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 behind the operation, from engineers to transport workers, make it work. He also said the site was a boost for the local economy, residents and small businesses.
Amazon Australia now operates four fulfilment centres in New South Wales and five delivery stations. The Horsley Park opening adds to that network as the company focuses on improving product selection and delivery speed for customers in Sydney and elsewhere in Australia.