NTUC FairPrice has officially launched FairPrice Hub, its new headquarters and high-tech distribution centre.
The $350 million complex is equipped with technological innovations to manage increasing consumer demand for the next 20 years.
The building was formally opened by Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.
Bobby Chin, NTUC FairPrice chairman, said FairPrice Hub is “more than just a building”.
“It is a reminder of our past. It is serving the present and it is preparing for the future. As we celebrate a new chapter in FairPrice, we are reminded that this Hub is a reflection of our history and a tribute to all our founding members and stakeholders including our past chairmen and board members, business partners, members and loyal customers,” said Chin.
The new distribution centre, which went operational at the end of last year, features a highly automated system that combines the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) together with the Caddy Pick system. This system, which is the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, uses robotic technology and autonomous vehicles mounted on a monorail system for warehousing operations. The ASRS allows FairPrice to increase its ambient storage space with a warehouse storage capacity of over 52,000 pallets. Designed to manage a throughput of 120,000 cartons per day, it is able to achieve high productivity of 200 cartons per man hour, twice the productivity rate of a conventional distribution centre that uses manual pallet movers.
FairPrice Hub will also serve as its new headquarters for over 600 employees, who were previously located at five different premises around Singapore. Housing its staff under one roof enables FairPrice to promote closer interaction and boost morale. Staff facilities include a running track, a fully equipped gym, a multi-purpose court, training facilities including an auditorium and a clubhouse for social gatherings.
NTUC FairPrice has also announced commitment of another $50 million to the FairPrice Foundation by 2020 to help the poor and needy, promote community bonding and support workers’ welfare.
Said Chin: “Besides staying at the forefront of the latest consumer trends, we will continue to abide by our philosophy to serve, to care and to give. We will Do Well in order to Do Good for the community.”
FairPrice has since donated $88 million to FairPrice Foundation, which was set up in 2006 to focus its giving efforts to provide a better life for the community.