Port of Brisbane has signed the Electrolux Group as the first tenant for Stage 2 of its Port West industrial estate in Lytton. 

The leading global appliance company - one of the few brands to still manufacture in Australia - has taken a 10-year lease over a 4.22ha site, which will be anchored by a purpose-built distribution centre and showroom.

The site will include a 21,255sqm warehouse, a ground-floor office and high-end showroom, a first-floor office, dock office, and hardstand/truck apron and car parking. 

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) CEO Neil Stephens said he was pleased to welcome such a significant anchor tenant to Port West Stage 2.

“Port of Brisbane provides an unrivalled opportunity for trade-related businesses such as the Electrolux Group, including the availability of large format greenfield sites located so close to the Port’s terminals and wharves,” Mr Stephens said. 

“This will be the first time PBPL will seek to deliver a 6-Star Green-Star rated facility for our customers and the opportunity to do so aligns strongly with our own sustainability ambitions. 

“We’re extremely pleased to be working collaboratively with the Electrolux Group to ensure we deliver this for them in line with their own global sustainability objectives. 

“Our teams have worked together to design and now commence delivery on a long-term, sustainable home for the Electrolux Group that will support its operations now and its growth into the future,” Mr Stephens said.  

The new facility will be delivered by principal contractor McNab with project management by Johnstaff and JLL, design by architects Sparc Architects and with structural solution by Northrop Consulting Engineers.

In designing the facility to meet the 6-Star requirements, Port of Brisbane is incorporating a rooftop solar installation, and a striking Glulam and CLT timber structure to the office and showroom, and will utilise low-carbon concrete solutions, where practical.

Construction is expected to start by the end of the year, with completion anticipated by October 2024.

The lease was negotiated by Chris Davis, JLL Director of Industrial Occupier Services – Australia. 

It’s part of a wider focus for JLL’s Industrial Occupier Services team, including Supply Chain & Logistics and Project & Development Services, which has been working with the Electrolux Group on its real-estate strategy across Australia, including a move last year into a similar facility in Melbourne.

“After the successful delivery of our Victorian distribution centre at Ravenhall, we’re pleased to partner again with the JLL team on this exciting development,” said Electrolux Group Managing Director ANZ Kurt Hegvold.

“It signifies a long-term commitment by the Electrolux Group in ensuring our operations in Queensland continue to deliver outstanding service to our customers and amazing experiences for our consumers and employees. 

“It also helps us deliver on our sustainability commitment into the future,” Mr Hegvold said.

Bruce Myers, JLL Director, Supply Chain & Logistics Solutions – Australia, said the state-of-the-art facility would include warehousing and offices and incorporate upgraded facilities to support employee wellbeing and productivity, including ergonomic smart equipment workstations.

“It will also feature a large and modern Experience Centre capable of hosting events with up to 150 guests, showcasing the work of leading chefs using Electrolux appliances to produce outstanding meals,” Mr Myers said.

JLL’s Chris Davis said the choice of location - Stage 2 lies adjacent to Stage 1, with direct access to Lytton Road - would support the Electrolux Group’s future growth plans. 

"Only 6km from the Port’s terminals and wharves, Port West is highly sought-after industrial land,” he said. “Now, more than ever, we are seeing businesses focus on increased operational efficiencies through building design and location. 

“The Port of Brisbane have provided the Electrolux Group with an outstanding solution that is going to be a first-class facility tailored to meet their requirements now and into the future,” Mr Davis said.

The new facility will allow for a simple transition for staff, in an ideal location for the shipping of white goods, minimising first and last mile transport costs.

As well as achieving improved truck access and significant logistics and cost benefits, the user-friendly centre will also prioritise innovative technologies and enhanced operating procedures to ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors and visitors.  

Neighbours across the wider estate will include a range of other global and national port-related businesses including Bunnings, Fisher & Paykel and Steelforce.