SCT has commenced construction a new refrigeration facility at Forrestfield in WA.
The new facility boasts a total building area of 9000 square metres with the latest temperature control technology supporting freezer, chiller, and ambient facilities to support product coming into the state.
SCT said it will drive opportunities for WA companies to send a broader product range to the eastern seaboard. It will facilitate 50,000 additional pallets of freight to and from WA, utilising the lowest-emission freight option for the journey.
SCT managing director Geoff Smith said the new facility is part of its proactive approach on behalf of its WA customer base to address recent weather disruptions across the rail network that have cut off supply lines between east and west, and emptied supermarket shelves.
“This investment is part of our growth strategy and commitment to assist the WA market with supply chain resilience to compensate for the deteriorating rail network and more extreme weather events,” Smith said.
Although a “significant step” in safeguarding supply chains, Smith acknowledged that more still needs to be done.
“We are conscious of the impacts of recent rail network outages on the WA public, particularly regarding supermarket and grocery items.
“We continue to seek a dialogue with the WA Government on the steps that can be taken to address these issues, which will require a larger commitment to the WA freight and logistics sector by both the private sector and government stakeholders.”
The SCT Group is celebrating its 50th year in business this year having been established in 1974 by Peter Smith.
SCT is now the largest rail freight forwarder of food and beverage into Western Australia, employing more than 400 people in the state.