Described as New Zealand’s largest industrial engineering parts supplier, Motion New Zealand is on-the-move to a high-tech, mega distribution centre to support its new phase of development.
Motion New Zealand is the consolidation of some of the country’s leading industrial brands including SaecoWilson, HCD Flow Technology, Seal Innovations and Conveyor & Transmission.
The new, 29,000sqm sqm distribution centre at 20 Puaki Drive, Wiri, has been purpose-built by Motion’s parent company Genuine Parts Company Asia Pacific (GPC) to combine its five Auckland warehouse operations, which also service its Repco and Napa retail brands, under one roof.
Motion is the first of GPC’s businesses to move into the distribution centre from August 2022.
With capacity to hold up to 100,000 high-quality engineering consumables and components, the facility will carry major product lines for Motion’s trading divisions.
Motion New Zealand Executive general manager Mark Forster says the move to a centralised warehouse is important as they continue to meet growing demand for industrial engineering products.
“Greater capacity and an advanced warehouse management system will help streamline our operations and deliveries to our 31-branches across the country,” Forster says.
“Today’s customers require greater agility and speed than ever before, and this new facility will make our supply chain more effective. Ultimately, this means we can pack quickly and get the product out to our customers much faster, improving the customer experience.”
GPC’s new distribution centre is equivalent to the size of eight rugby fields and has been designed and built by South Island-based construction firm Calder Stewart with a strong emphasis on sustainable design principles.
Solar panels and advanced energy control systems, electric forklifts and rainwater collection will target significant energy footprint reduction and a 35% annual water saving.
The SSI Schaefer warehouse automation system being installed is the first of its kind in New Zealand, with leading technology and safety features.
GPC New Zealand Executive General Manager Jonathon Maddren says the innovative technology will optimise the flow of goods with more than five-times greater operational efficiency driving smoother and faster supply across the country.
“We are proud to create a market-leading, safe, and sustainable environment for our people in this
distribution centre,” he says.
“This building will provide the capacity and capability for our next 30 years of growth, expanding the service and product range Repco, NAPA and Motion can offer. With this large capital project, we are making a clear commitment to our team, our customers and the future of the auto and industrial aftermarket supply industry.”