Amazon Australia has unveiled a purpose-built fulfilment centre in Horsley Park, Western Sydney, representing an investment of $400 million. The company opened the facility with representatives from Fairfield City Council and Amazon Australia’s operations leadership.
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 says permanent employees will have access to subsidised health insurance for the whole family, free life insurance, up to 20 weeks of parental leave pay and a free Amazon Prime membership.
Capacity and seller support
Amazon Australia director of operations Wayne Angus described the opening as part of the company’s continued investment in Western Sydney. “This $400 million investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region and to delivering a world-class experience for Australian customers,” he said.
Angus added that as demand grows, Amazon is focused on improving selection and delivery speed while supporting the communities where it operates. The facility is also intended to help New South Wales small and medium-sized businesses using Fulfilment by Amazon. According to Amazon, the additional capacity will allow Australian sellers with smaller items to serve customers around the country more seamlessly.
Technology and sustainability features
The fulfilment centre will use advanced technology to support teams as they pick and pack items for Amazon.com.au shoppers. Amazon says this contributes to efforts to provide a smarter, faster and more consistent experience for customers in Sydney and across Australia.
The building includes sustainable design elements and inbound and outbound sortation systems. It also has a solar array on the roof, rapid rollers at all dock doors, insulation intended to maintain internal temperatures and reduce energy consumption, and motion-sensor lighting.
Fairfield City Council Mayor Frank Carbone said the investment would create opportunities for businesses to distribute products and reach customers across Australia and internationally. He said the people behind the operation, from engineers to transport workers, make the facility work, and described the project as a boost for the local economy, residents and small businesses.
Amazon Australia now operates four fulfilment centres in New South Wales and five delivery stations. The Horsley Park facility adds to that network as the company seeks to expand capacity and improve delivery speed.