SOLIDIFYING Secon Freight Logistics’ market position is the aim of a new logistics hub to be built in the suburb of Truganina in Melbourne’s west.
The 21,000m2 facility (to be built on 90,000m2 of land) is to be part of a joint venture involving Secon and Berton Investments.
According to a joint statement, the logistics hub is to be partially owned by Secon and partially retained by Berton Investment under a long-term lease with Secon.
Secon Freight Logistics partnered with property and supply chain firm TM Insight on the design and delivery of this new facility.
The end value of the facility is expected to be in excess of $50m.
Secon has bought the main office, container-park, cross-docking warehouse and workshop part of the logistics hub and is to be leasing the adjacent logistics warehouse building from Berton.
The development is to feature areas of heavy-duty container pavement, head office accommodation, warehouses to accommodate both contract logistics and cross-docking operations and workshop areas for equipment repairs and maintenance.
Secon chief executive Steve Nailer said the investment coincided with their 50th anniversary as a business.
“It’s also the year some big plans come together to move Secon into an exciting new era,” Mr Nailer said.
“We partnered with TM Insight to develop a strategy to consolidate our Victorian operations into a leading-edge site. This new purpose-built facility will solidify our market position and also ensure safety is at the forefront of our day to day operations.”
Mr Nailer said approvals for big trucks were significant.
“We have also secured approval for super-b and a-double HPFV vehicles to the site which will significantly increase transport efficiencies and our overall operational efficiencies,” he said.
TM Insight has worked with Secon to review operations, design supply chain solutions and select the location for the new facility.
TM Insight is to now project manage the build.
TM Insight director of property Nathan Bingham described the project as “a bold move by Secon to future proof their business in the current challenging environment for logistics companies”.
“Rapidly increasing congestion on our roads and the diminishing supply of quality land in strategic locations will put pressure on logistics companies’ operations,” Mr Bingham said.
“However, through this major commitment, Secon is firmly establishing a landmark operation in the centre of Australia’s fastest growing industrial market which will allow them to attract new business and deliver a high-quality service.”
He said Truganina was selected as the preferred location due to the proximity to Secon’s current and future customers and the area’s road infrastructure investment. The new facility is expected to be operational in late 2019.
