Foodstuffs North Island is investing $70 million in a new chilled and frozen distribution centre (DC) in Mangere.

The Paitai Way facility will more than double the cooperative’s current capacity, replacing the Nesdale Avenue site, which it says has reached its limit.

Foodstuffs NI CEO Chris Quin said the centre, to be located in Auckland Airport’s The Landing business park, is designed to meet growing demand for the next 25 years.

“We’re building for the future,” he said.

“With forecasted population growth of one per cent year-on-year and category growth across the Upper North Island, it’s critical we have the infrastructure in place to ensure customers continue to get the products they need, when they need them.”

Part of the cooperative’s broader supply chain transformation programme, the facility will include CO2 refrigeration, a 1.96 megawatt rooftop solar array, and infrastructure for future electric truck charging. The chiller floor will be designed to convert into a fully frozen operation if required.

By consolidating chilled, frozen and ambient operations in Māngere, the company expects to improve fleet utilisation, reduce road miles and emissions, and speed up delivery to stores.

“Investing in resilient infrastructure means fewer disruptions, better product availability in stores, and more flexibility for our suppliers to grow with us,” Quin added.

“It also means creating a safer, more modern working environment for our teams.”

Construction is scheduled to start later this year, finish late next year, and begin operations in early 2028.