Massmart Opens New Flagship Riversands Distribution Centre

On the 14th of June 2022, Massmart officially opened its new Distribution Centre, in Riversands, Johannesburg. This 75 000m2 warehouse is the second of three new facilities in Massmart’s new centralized network which uses shared distribution centres to serve stores across the entire group.

The new state of the art facility has been custom designed to suit Massmart’s needs and will manage the highest volume throughput of all Massmart facilities. In line with Massmart’s supply chain strategy, the Riversands DC is a product-based distribution centre, specializing in high volume, pallet based products. “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,” said Jonathan Molapo, Chief Operating Officer at Massmart.

Construction of this facility began in late 2019 following thorough planning and engagement with Walmart regarding optimal designs  One thing the project team could not have foreseen was the need to fast track the completion of the facility, to keep stores stocked following the events in July 2021. “I must acknowledge the way our partners on the project, R&L Architects and EDS Engineers and our landlords, Century properties have supported us throughout, and particularly when the timeline was brought forward by 5 months,” he added.

Sustainability is a core priority in any Massmart facility and the Riversands campus makes maximum use of natural light, energy saving LED lights with motion sensors, and uses borehole water for its wash bays and reserve water tanks. In addition to this, throughout the construction process, the wetlands next to the DC have been preserved in order to support healthy ecosystem functioning and provide a refuge for resident flora and fauna.

“Every element of this distribution centre 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,” concluded Molapo.

Source : Massmart

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