Sod turned on new Queensland distribution centre as Asahi Beverages confirms Redbank as next hub
Australia’s leading beverages company, 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, within the City of Ipswich, Asahi will invest $150m into its new site, which will use advanced technology including a high-speed shuttle system and sophisticated robotics.
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, Cool Ridge water and much more.
The site will sit within the Redbank Motorway Estate, a strategically located 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.
Development will be led by Goodman, with McNab appointed as the builder. Project and supply chain specialists TMX Transform have supported the project with network design, property procurement and project management.
Cr Teresa Harding, Mayor of Ipswich, 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 2,500 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.”
Adrian Benson, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Asahi Beverages, 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.”
Jason Little, CEO Australia, Goodman, 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.
