As part of its centralized network strategy, Massmart, owner of Game and Builder has opened a new distribution center at Riversands, Johannesburg.
The 75 000m2 warehouse facility, which is larger than 10 soccer pitches, will service the entire group’s stores, including its Makro, Builders, Jumbo and Shield brands.
“Over 30% of Massmart stores are based in Gauteng so this facility will give us the opportunity to deliver fast moving products to these stores at greater speed, thanks to the use of full pallets, with no need for re-packing inside the facility,” COO Jonathan Molapo said.
The distribution center is the second of three new facilities that form Massmart’s new centralized network. It will manage the highest product volumes out of all the group’s distribution centers.
Massmart roped in its US owner Walmart on the design of the state-of-the-art facility, whose construction began in 2019.
Sustainability was a top priority for the distribution centre, which boasts LED lighting with motion sensors and makes use of borehole water for its wash bays and reserve water tanks.
The group also preserved the wetlands next to the facility.
Molapo also said,” Every element of this distribution center is geared towards improving efficiency. From reducing our own energy usage to the operational efficiency of the high volume product focus, Riversands will play an important role in getting the right products onto our shelves at the best possible price for customers”.
