Amazon Australia has unveiled a purpose-built fulfilment centre in Horsley Park, Western Sydney, following a $400 million investment in the site. The company said the facility was unveiled this week, with local council representatives and Amazon Australia director of operations Wayne Angus taking part in the opening.
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 is designed to hold more than 10 million items sold on Amazon.com.au, spanning everyday essentials, electronics, beauty products, books, toys and homeware.
Once fully operational, the Horsley Park site is expected to offer more than 1,000 local jobs. Roles will range from entry-level positions with on-the-job training and certification programs to skilled positions in operations, human resources, engineering and workplace health and safety. Amazon said permanent employees will receive benefits including subsidised health insurance for the whole family, free life insurance, up to 20 weeks parental leave pay and a free Amazon Prime membership.
Angus 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 Amazon was focused on improving selection and delivery speed as demand grows, while supporting the communities where it operates.
Fairfield City Council Mayor Frank Carbone welcomed the investment, saying it would create 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 and said the people behind the operation, from engineers to transport workers, would make it work. He also thanked Amazon for choosing Horsley Park and said the site would boost the local economy, residents and small businesses.
The fulfilment centre is also intended to support New South Wales small and medium-sized businesses using Fulfilment by Amazon. Amazon said the additional capacity would allow Australian sellers of smaller items to serve customers around the country more easily.
The site will use advanced technology to help teams pick and pack items for Amazon.com.au customers. Amazon said this would contribute to its efforts to deliver a smarter, faster and more consistent experience in Sydney and across Australia.
Sustainability features include a rooftop solar array, inbound and outbound sortation systems, rapid rollers at all dock doors, insulation to maintain internal temperatures and reduce energy consumption, and motion-sensor lighting. Amazon Australia now operates four fulfilment centres in New South Wales and five delivery stations.