Automated Storage and Retrieval System Enhances Efficiency and Supports Growing Business in Asia Pacific
07/19/2017
Singapore, 19 July 2017 – Coca‑Cola Singapore today announced the official opening of its new storage and distribution center in Singapore. The warehouse, which costs over S$79 million (US$57.5 million), is designed to drive efficiency and support Coca‑Cola’s growing business in Asia Pacific, as the company evolves to become a total beverage company providing people in the region with drinks to suit their continuously evolving tastes and needs.
At nineteen storeys, it is Singapore’s first warehousing facility where the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is built on top of the loading and unloading bays, utilizing approximately 50% less space than conventional warehousing operations. Located directly across the road from the company’s existing concentrate plant in Tuas, the state-of-the-art warehouse features an enclosed overhead bridge with a dual 2-way conveyance system that transports the products from the manufacturing facility to the storage warehouse, and ingredients from the storage warehouse to the manufacturing facility. The facility is purpose-built to industry-leading standards, and has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification and Green Mark Gold Certification.
The storage and distribution center marks another milestone in Coca‑Cola’s 81-year presence in Singapore, affirming the company’s commitment to continue to invest in the Republic. An opening ceremony attended by more than 250 employees, guests and business partners featured Ms. Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry as guest of honor.
Mr. John Murphy, President of Asia Pacific Group of The Coca‑Cola Company, said “Asia is one of our fastest growing markets and we see high demand for our wide range of beverages across the region. This new distribution center is an investment in automation and technology that will position the company for quality growth well into the future.”
The new facility can store up to 14,000 pallets with a throughout of 126 pallets per hour. It will significantly improve warehousing efficiency – storage time under the ASRS takes 7.8 seconds, a 65 percent decrease from the 23 seconds it used to take before.
Ms. Thien Kwee Eng, Assistant Managing Director, Economic Development Board, said “Coca‑Cola’s new distribution center demonstrates Singapore’s position as a strategic base for regional supply chain operations, as well as Coca‑Cola’s commitment to set new benchmarks for Singapore’s food manufacturing industry by creating solutions that drive productivity growth.”
The Tuas concentrate plant and distribution center are both operated by Pacific Refreshments Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca‑Cola Company. Together, they will produce and distribute more than 200 different concentrates covering the whole spectrum of brands that are consumed locally in the markets that Coca‑Cola serves. These include Coca‑Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, Heaven & Earth, Minute Maid and Powerade.