By Laura Michell
Ford is set to open an automotive parts distribution centre in Mickleham late next year.
Merrifield Business Park developers MAB and GPC last week confirmed Ford Australia had signed a 10-year pre-lease for a 51,580 square metre facility at the Mickleham business estate.
The distribution facility will include a warehouse and offices and will enable Ford to store parts for current and future generation cars.
Ford Australia and New Zealand chief executive Kay Hart said the Merrifield centre will be Ford’s fifth Victorian base and would help the company to improve service for customers and dealers.
“Our focus is on giving our customers the best experience possible, and that means making sure we have an efficient parts supply system for both our dealers and Ford owners,” she said.
“With space and great transport infrastructure links, this new site will enable us to store and distribute the parts we need for the current and future generations of vehicles, including electrified vehicles. It will also give our team the space it needs to grow our business into the future.
“We know that it isn’t enough to offer great vehicles; we also need to offer exceptional customer service and to support our dealers to do that. That’s why this investment is so important to us.”
MAB commercial and industrial general manager Michael Martin said the Merrifield Business Park’s close proximity to key rail, road and airport infrastructure, helped secure the deal.
“Merrifield Business Park is becoming a preferred location in the north for large warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and storage facilities, due to its scale and proximity to the Hume Freeway”, he said.
“The facility will consolidate Ford’s spare parts operations into one purpose-built facility and help them service their customers faster and more efficiently. We look forward to welcoming them in 2021.”
