Daifuku modernises NZ Post facilities

  • April 19, 2021
  • Steve Rogerson

Japanese materials handling company Daifuku is modernising three processing facilities owned by New Zealand Post (NZ Post).

Commencing in September 2021, the project will be staged at the new Christchurch Processing Centre, Wellington Super Depot, and the Auckland Processing Centre, totalling a footprint of 70,000m2.

The modernised facilities will see the implementation of automated packet and parcel sortation, along with inbound processing and automatic singulation technology, accelerating NZ Post’s ability to deliver faster processing speeds, and increasing its existing regional delivery capabilities.

NZ Post has experienced unprecedented volumes in parcels over the last 12 months, processing volumes originally forecasted for 2023. The enhancements delivered over the next two years will future proof the country’s service.

“Our latest ecommerce spotlight shows that New Zealanders spent more than a billion dollars more online last year than the year before, and that the way people shop has changed for good,” said Janet Selwood, NZ Post chief transformation officer. “This investment in our network will help set us up to be more efficient and continue to meet our customers’ needs, while also helping New Zealand businesses grow.”

Due to be completed in early 2023, the project will see NZ Post implement some of the world’s leading technology across its three facilities, providing increased capabilities and capacity across the network.

Daifuku Oceania, an affiliate of Daifuku, will provide material handling services, technology, equipment and operational support.

“This is a milestone project for Daifuku to work with New Zealand’s premier parcel and post carrier, and be involved in what is one of the largest automated material handling programmes to be undertaken within New Zealand,” said Cory Saunders, executive general manager at Daifuku Oceania. “Fundamental to the project is to provide NZ Post with increased visibility and tracking throughout its network to ensure greater efficiency and reliability. Also critical to the programme is supporting its commitment to being carbon neutral from 2030. To achieve this, the usage of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technology has been a high consideration throughout planning and production.”

Daifuku Oceania is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, with offices in Australia, Malaysia, Norway and Canada.