A new US$20 million state-of-the-art, purpose built, pallet repair facility and depot in Melbourne’s west has been officially opened by the chairman of China Merchants Group Fu Yuning and Kim McAliney, mayor of Wyndham City.

    Located in Truganina on 31,500 sq m, this is the largest facility of its kind for Loscam and the first major capital expenditure in the Australian business by China Merchants Group since it acquired Loscam in 2010.

    The repair facility provides undercover capability of 6,000m, and there is also a 300 sq m office building on the site.

    Loscam CEO Mark Daniel said the depot now alleviates the demands of repairs on facilities outside Victoria, leaving more opportunity for new business growth in those markets.

    “With the increasing amount of industry moving into the area west of Melbourne, we see this as a fantastic opportunity for continued growth in the business,” he said.

    The purpose built facility has incorporated a number of innovative technologies, which will lower the repair unit cost and add a number of additional efficiencies. The new depot means less double handling and a more economically and environmentally friendly process.

    Daniel said safety and environmental features were paramount in the design of the facility.

    “The new repair equipment for example, is expected to use 40 percent less electricity, and the layout ensures maximum efficiency of space and traffic flow,” he said.

    “Plus we have incorporated rainwater harvest, bio retention and tri-lighting combined with translucent roof sheeting, which considerably reduces lighting consumption.

    “With the capacity for up to 11 repair lines and 250,000 pallet intakes, the state-of-the-art facility will be a flagship for Australia and will set a precedent for future depots planned for the business across Asia.”

(source:http://www.cargonewsasia.com/category.aspx?id=7)