AUSTRALIA’S most renowned wine region is set to receive a logistical boost, as construction begins on a sizeable new logistics facility in the Barossa Valley.
Locally owned logistics provider Nuriootpa Traders have announced construction has started on their new $80 million transport facility, which will be used as a depot, for storage, and for distribution.
Nuriootpa Traders say a ceremony held in the town of Nuriootpa, South Australia marks a significant milestone in the expansion of infrastructure to support the wine region.
The facility will span 133,000 square metres, featuring undercover warehousing, concrete hardstand for truck parking, an office space, and a workshop with a truck wash and maintenance bays.
Nuriootpa Traders says the hub is strategically located with direct road train and b-triple heavy vehicle access to the major freight route, and according to company director Jamie Cooper is “perfectly positioned” to handle the needs of Barossa’s growing wine industry.
“Once completed, this new facility will greatly improve the opera8ons for our wine production customers by streamlining storage through to direct transportation to major interstate distribution centres” Mr Cooper said.
Jaytex Construction will oversee construction of the facility, with the building phase expected to contribute up to 60 full-time jobs, and will create 20 ongoing positions once construction is completed. NT says this highlights their commitment to local development.
NT director Michael Chard said the new depot addressed a critical gap in the region by bringing large-scale, modern warehousing capabilities to the region, reducing the need to transport products further afield for storage.
“By providing storage solutions closer to their origin, we are able to facilitate reduced customer transportation costs and carbon footprint,” Mr Chard said.
The facility is also designed with environmental sustainability in mind, with extensive solar panels to be incorporated to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and lower operating costs, along with specialised insulation for thermal efficiency and stormwater basins.
The facility’s construction also comes in good time for Australia’s global wine trade, as the recent resumption of wine exports to China boosts vineyards. The project is expected to be completed by March 2025, with potential scope for a second stage should future customer demand necessitate additional warehousing.
