To streamline grocery supplies, Foodstuffs North Island has opened a new custom-built cross-dock transport depot and warehouse in Whangarei.

The $10 million complex features dedicated docks for loading and unloading, large freezers and chillers with temperature monitors, automated gates, EV chargers and an electric forklift fleet.

Foodstuffs North Island CEO, Chris Quin, said: “Having this new and improved cross-dock facility in Whangarei means even stores as far-flung as Four Square, Houhora to get the same service levels as central Auckland supermarkets.”

The business currently operates 33 stores in the region and said all customers will benefit from the integrated supply chain network.

Melissa Chapman, depot manager for the new site, said the Northland team is responsible for the “last part” of the distribution process as they’re much closer to the community stores.

“A cross-dock facility is where we unload product from larger, long-distance trucks into smaller ones that are better suited to Northland’s roads and delivering to our more remote stores.”

The new site will be shared with Gilmours Northland which will use it to service its bar, restaurant and cafe customers.