Commander Joint Logistics Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib has opened Defence’s newest warehouse in Albury/Wodonga, which will replace eight World War II-era warehouses at the Bandiana site.
It will be equipped with technology and equipment to streamline storage and distribution of Defence’s clothing supplies.
“From early next year Australia’s deployed servicemen and women will all be supplied with combat clothing and other essential equipment from this new facility,” AVM Staib said.
She congratulated local company Joss Construction for their part in the $27 million project.
“Not only did Joss deliver on time and within budget, they worked in cooperation with Joint Logistics Unit (Victoria) to avoid disruptions to the vital operational support provided to the ADF.”
The new warehouse will hold up to 19,000 pallets of clothing and field equipment on racking seven pallets high.
Inside will be a modern warehousing functionality and operating systems so staff can work more safely and effectively.
Also included is a new fleet of materiel handling equipment that will operate with the latest in-floor automatic guidance systems.
Rainwater harvested from the warehouse roof will be used as part of Defence’s local rainwater reticulation plan and for purposes such as washing and steam cleaning of military equipment, thus reducing reliance on local water supplies.
Throughout the construction period it is estimated that in excess of 600 local and interstate personnel were employed on the project at various times.
The warehouse will be operated by BAE Systems and will be staffed by up to 40 personnel.