Woolworths is increasing its online capacity into Western Sydney by 50%, with the opening of its first Automated Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Auburn.
The site, which opened on 7 May, has to date already delivered over 6000 orders to customers. As the site ramps up to full capacity, the facility will handle up to 60,000 online orders weekly, which will be picked by over 600 directly employed team members.
The Auburn CFC spans 22,000sqm and is equipped with cutting-edge picking and storage technology.
In a nod to the significant growth of online services, Auburn also features the largest Direct to Boot offering in Australia, with 16 bays for those customers who prefer to collect their groceries, offering Western Sydney customers more flexible and convenient shopping options.
This new site will be a step change in the way Woolworths deliver groceries and showcases how technology and people work hand-in-hand, improving customers’ online experience across Western Sydney.
The Woolworths team on site were joined by Mayor of Cumberland City Council Ola Hamed, Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou MP and State Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz MP to celebrate the CFC’s opening on 19 May.
Woolworths Managing Director of eComX Sally Copland said: “Western Sydney is one of our largest and fastest growing eCommerce catchments, and we’re thrilled to be unlocking greater capacity for our customers with the opening of our first ever Automated CFC in Auburn.
“Over the last two years, we have seen over a 20% increase in demand for online services. By leveraging best-in-class technology, Auburn CFC will significantly boost order picking speed and accuracy for our customers in Western Sydney. This site is tech enabled and people powered.”
Woolworths commenced the build of Auburn CFC in 2021, and has worked alongside KNAPP, who provided the picking and storage solutions, and Vaughn Construction.
KNAPP Vice President Food Retail Solutions Rudolf Hansl said: “The site uses state-of-the-art technology including over 450 KNAPP Evo Shuttles which store and retrieve items in the ideal sequence for picking across all temperature zones, including the freezer – significantly reducing manual handling.
“Together with our long-standing partner Woolworths, we have implemented a highly automated and innovative concept for online grocery packing. Our proven technologies ensure fast and high-quality order fulfilment – a clear advantage for Woolworths customers that leads to a seamless shopping experience.”
About KNAPP
Knapp is one of the leading providers of automated storage systems and warehouse logistics software. Across the globe, a wide range of customers place their trust in the experience and innovative power of the Knapp group. Knapp specialises in solutions in food logistics, implementing solutions to overcome the challenges particular to food retail. Key customers include Rewe (Germany), Shufersal (Israel), Lotte Mart (Korea), Auchan Direct (France) and Albertsons (USA).
Woolworths Auburn CFC Official Opening. 19 May 2025. Photograph Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths.
Woolworths Auburn CFC Official Opening. 19 May 2025. Photograph Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths.
Photograph Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths
