Delivering a new distribution centre in Brisbane for a global leader in home appliances

With a brand built on their high-quality manufacturing, Electrolux Group is one of the largest producers of home appliances globally. Headquartered in Stockholm, JLL has been working with the industry-leading company for over five years, having delivered four projects across Australia and New Zealand to support the Group’s continued growth.

Looking at their plans for expansion in Australia, Electrolux Group engaged JLL in 2022 to conduct a supply chain review to inform their operational strategy for the next decade. Following this, the Group identified the need for a new distribution centre in Brisbane. The new facility needed to enable the evolution of the Group’s operations, improving safety and productivity and deliver on their global commitments to sustainability. Location was also a priority, needing to be centrally located to minimise transport costs and accommodate the needs of their team.

Leveraging our One JLL approach, we assembled a cross-functional team including Project and Development Services, Occupier Services, Supply Chain, and Sustainability experts to deliver a distribution centre to the same high standard Electrolux Group is known for.

This project built on JLL's successful track record with Electrolux Group, including the recent delivery of a 6 Star Green Star-rated distribution centre in Ravenhall, Melbourne. Our long-standing relationship and in-depth understanding of the Group's operations alongside our unparalleled industry insights were crucial in delivering a tailored solution that aligned with their strategic goals and sustainability commitments. This extended from where the site was located, right up to how the distribution centre would operate for the next 10 years. 

The project started with our team conducting detailed operational reviews to enhance safety, minimise interaction between pedestrians and material handling equipment, improve productivity and increase service capacity. We then developed a comprehensive property specification, including technical, sustainability, and legal requirements. A competitive property procurement process was managed, and we incorporated design and project management services into the property brief, resulting in zero upfront costs for Electrolux Group.

JLL originally engaged with Electrolux Group in 2022 to discuss their requirements for the new facility. Our PDS team conducted stakeholder workshops and site inspections to carefully consider the Group’s requirements. The outcome of these discussions was the preparation of the project requirements brief which detailed the key design elements, space requirements and sustainability objectives for the new facility. The brief formed part of the initial request for developments proposals, and it was used throughout the project to ensure Electrolux Group’s requirements were being met. 

JLL successfully secured a 22,000 sqm facility at the Port of Brisbane, with construction commencing in October 2023. PDS monitored the construction process and ensured Electrolux Group’s operational design requirements were integrated into the design. Encompassing a 21,255 sqm warehouse, uniquely provisioned for appliance testing, a 748 sqm ground floor office and showroom that can also be used for training demonstrations and a 422 sqm first floor office, dock office and hardstand/truck apron and car parking. With a focus on employee wellbeing and the environmental longevity, the design also included outdoor spaces and a world-leading 6 Star Green Star rating commitment. 

Throughout construction, procuring products and materials with sustainable credentials was prioritised. Cross-Laminated Timber was used in the main office and appliance showroom construction, which is unique in an industrial setting. The project also used low carbon concrete on all external pavements, footings and roadways which saw a 50% reduction in embodied carbon concrete. 

The innovative design approach and focus on sustainability also showcases Electrolux Group as an industry leader in sustainability.

This project exemplifies JLL's commitment to delivering tailored, sustainable solutions that align with our clients' long-term strategic goals. By leveraging our comprehensive expertise across multiple disciplines, we were able to create a state-of-the-art distribution centre for Electrolux Group that not only meets their current operational needs but also positions them for future growth.

As Electrolux Group continues to lead in the home appliance industry, this new facility stands as a testament to the power of collaborative partnerships and forward-thinking design in creating spaces that are both highly functional and environmentally conscious. The success of this project further solidifies JLL's reputation as a trusted advisor in delivering complex, sustainable real estate solutions that drive business value.