n3 Supplier NZ Safety Blackwoods has opened a new 18,000m² Distribution Centre in Drury, setting a new benchmark for logistics in New Zealand. Built with advanced automation and intelligent systems, the facility is designed to deliver faster, more accurate order fulfilment while improving sustainability and simplifying procurement for customers.
Watch the official opening video to see the new facility in action here.
The new North Island hub brings together multiple operations into a single, highly efficient site. With its strategic Drury South location, it also helps improve delivery times by avoiding central Auckland traffic congestion, supporting more reliable distribution across the region.
At the heart of the facility is the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system, a high-density robotics solution where autonomous robots move across a grid to store and retrieve inventory. Goods are delivered to high-speed picking stations, enabling faster, more accurate order processing while optimising space and energy efficiency.
Extensive automation across the site allows NZ Safety Blackwoods to streamline fulfilment, improve inventory visibility, and reduce reliance on external logistics partners by bringing warehousing and freight forwarding in-house. Customers benefit from consolidated orders, simplified invoicing, and quicker turnaround times.
As NZ Safety Blackwoods GM Andy Antoci explains, the new facility responds directly to rising customer expectations:
“Customer expectations are increasing all the time. Businesses need faster, more accurate delivery and greater responsiveness from their suppliers. This centre allows us to meet those needs through automation, smarter systems and a simplified supply chain.”
The Drury DC also represents a significant step forward in sustainability. Designed with NZ Safety Blackwoods’ goal of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, the facility incorporates a range of environmental features including a 1.5MW solar energy system, rainwater harvesting, low-e glazing, low VOC materials, and a building management system for energy efficiency.
Watch the official opening video to see the new facility in action here.
The new North Island hub brings together multiple operations into a single, highly efficient site. With its strategic Drury South location, it also helps improve delivery times by avoiding central Auckland traffic congestion, supporting more reliable distribution across the region.
At the heart of the facility is the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system, a high-density robotics solution where autonomous robots move across a grid to store and retrieve inventory. Goods are delivered to high-speed picking stations, enabling faster, more accurate order processing while optimising space and energy efficiency.
Extensive automation across the site allows NZ Safety Blackwoods to streamline fulfilment, improve inventory visibility, and reduce reliance on external logistics partners by bringing warehousing and freight forwarding in-house. Customers benefit from consolidated orders, simplified invoicing, and quicker turnaround times.
As NZ Safety Blackwoods GM Andy Antoci explains, the new facility responds directly to rising customer expectations:
“Customer expectations are increasing all the time. Businesses need faster, more accurate delivery and greater responsiveness from their suppliers. This centre allows us to meet those needs through automation, smarter systems and a simplified supply chain.”
The Drury DC also represents a significant step forward in sustainability. Designed with NZ Safety Blackwoods’ goal of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, the facility incorporates a range of environmental features including a 1.5MW solar energy system, rainwater harvesting, low-e glazing, low VOC materials, and a building management system for energy efficiency.
Electric forklifts and vehicles replace gas-powered equipment, supported by onsite EV charging stations. The AutoStore system further reduces energy use, with ten robots consuming roughly the same energy as a single household vacuum cleaner.
Consolidating multiple distribution centres into one site also reduces transport movements, packaging requirements, and overall emissions, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable national supply chain.
In October 2024, NZ Safety Blackwoods marked the project with a site blessing attended by Ngāti Tamaoho, project partners Calder Stewart, and members of the NZ Safety Blackwoods leadership team and Roopu.
The Drury Distribution Centre is now fully operational and represents a major step forward in how NZ Safety Blackwoods supports Kiwi businesses with faster, smarter and more sustainable supply solutions.
Consolidating multiple distribution centres into one site also reduces transport movements, packaging requirements, and overall emissions, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable national supply chain.
In October 2024, NZ Safety Blackwoods marked the project with a site blessing attended by Ngāti Tamaoho, project partners Calder Stewart, and members of the NZ Safety Blackwoods leadership team and Roopu.
The Drury Distribution Centre is now fully operational and represents a major step forward in how NZ Safety Blackwoods supports Kiwi businesses with faster, smarter and more sustainable supply solutions.
