Bridgestone has opened its largest distribution centre in Australia, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility at the Port of Brisbane in Lytton, Queensland.
The occasion was marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by representatives from Bridgestone and the Port of Brisbane.
This state-of-the-art distribution centre offers substantial enhancements in safety and efficiency compared to the former Hendra site and is developed to support Bridgestone’s ongoing growth in Queensland and Northern NSW.
The Port of Brisbane precinct location streamlines wharf-to-warehouse logistics, as well as dispatch to Bridgestone’s network of Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto stores, Bridgestone Service Centres, wholesale customers and fleet business partners across all segments: passenger, SUV, 4×4, truck and bus, as well as agricultural products.
Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Heath Barclay, says the opening of the Lytton distribution centre represents the continued investment the company makes into long-term, sustainable growth and continuous improvement of customer service in the Australian market.
“The opening of our new Queensland distribution centre in Lytton highlights our commitment to continuing to serve our customers in the most efficient way,” he says.
“Our investment in this state-of-the-art distribution centre, designed to meet our future needs, allows us to optimise operations, reduce downtime for our freight partners, and ensure faster delivery of tyres to our customers. Most importantly, it enables us to implement superior safety practices.”
The new purpose-built facility at Port of Brisbane offers enhancements in safety and efficiency compared to the former site
Bridgestone’s relocation from its former location in Hendra saw 340 B-double freight movements, shifting 8,100 tyre stillages their new home in Lytton, in addition to all in-bound freight from the Port of Brisbane.
With a 23,340sqm footprint, the new distribution centre is nearly double the size of the former site, providing 75 per cent more stock capacity as well as accommodating for the trend towards higher inch sizes.
The Lytton distribution centre now accounts for around 25 per cent of Bridgestone’s national storage capabilities.
“Australia’s tyre needs are evolving with the trend towards larger wheel sizes and the increasing popularity of SUVs and 4x4s. This shift impacts our distribution centre operations, which we have taken into account in the design of our new Queensland distribution centre,” Barclay adds.
The additional space also allows for safer workflows with dedicated operational zones for metro and regional dispatch staging, and a significantly improved traffic management plan and workflow for both Bridgestone’s operational team and its freight partners.
According to Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand’s General Manager of Supply Chain and HSE (Health, Safety and Environment), Andrew Romano, the Lytton distribution centre sets a new benchmark for process and safety.
“Bridgestone has always had a commitment to safety, and the provisions we have made in the development of this new distribution centre are best practice for the industry. This site is the benchmark for safe operations, and efficiency,” he says.
The 23,340sqm facility provides 75 per cent more stock capacity as well as accommodating higher inch sizes
The new distribution centre is equipped with telescopic conveyor belts to facilitate the unloading of inbound containers.
Additionally, Bridgestone plans to enhance operations by installing automated guided vehicle (AGV) forklifts, which will streamline movements within the site by running pre-programmed routes, thereby freeing up manned forklifts for other tasks.
The Lytton distribution centre was developed by Port of Brisbane and its principal contractor, McNab, and incorporates several sustainable initiatives in line with the shared sustainability emphasis of Bridgestone and the Port of Brisbane.
Port of Brisbane Chief Executive Officer, Neil Stephens, says the port worked closely with Bridgestone Australia to understand its business and is pleased to have delivered a tailored, turnkey solution for its Queensland Distribution Centre, “mobilising quickly to deliver a facility that will support Bridgestone’s operations now and into the future”.
The site features access to 100 per cent renewable power for its operations through Port of Brisbane’s embedded energy network, one-megawatt rooftop solar and one-megawatt battery energy storage system, as well as shared fire services and water efficient fittings, and the use of low-carbon concrete with incorporated recycled materials.
“The Lytton distribution centre exemplifies Bridgestone’s commitment to the future, showcasing our dedication to sustainable business practices and ensuring we have the infrastructure to support both current and future operations,” Barclay says.