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Australian Defence Apparel New Zealand has announced the official opening of a multi-function logistics hub in Palmerston North, New Zealand later this year.
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The Australian Defence Apparel subsidiary has secured a clothing contract to service more than 12,000 personnel within the New Zealand Defence Force and is expected to open the 3,000 square metre custom-built facility in late 2023.
The site will offer a design and development centre, data-driven wearable systems, a logistics hub, warehousing and refurbished NZDF clothing stores.
ADA chief executive officer Chris Dixon said the strategic move to Palmerston North was a collaborative partnership with ADA, Palmerston North City Council and CEDA to create employment opportunities across the Manawatu region.
“We look forward to officially opening ADA NZ’s Palmerston North Hub later this year. The site will allow NZDF personnel to receive the highest quality care and service, complemented by high-tech apparel systems to enable them to perform their duties comfortably and efficiently, taking less time away from training and fieldwork,” he said.
“The NZDF Wearables Supply and Managed Services contract went live in February, and since then, we’ve been working with local New Zealand manufacturers and running a portion of the New Zealand Defence Force requirements through ADA’s Bendigo facility. Equally, some New Zealand suppliers are supplying back into Australia in sort of a swap deal which has benefited both parties.”
The facility manages the warehousing, distribution, and procurement of more than 2000 styles of apparel including clothing, footwear, accessories including rank and regalia, and personal support items such as packs, pouches, and tents.
The site will also support NZDF wearables and contract management with customer service, quality and compliance, IT and HR.
ADA NZ wearable systems development manager Dr Graham Fordy said Palmerston North was the chosen location to best serve as a central logistics hub and national distribution centre in the Lower North Island.
“The Palmerston North Design and Development Centre of Excellence will be uniquely positioned to bring academia, industry partners, and ADA NZ together to ensure the NZDF is best placed to succeed in training and operations with innovative and enhanced wearable systems,” Dr Fordy said.
ADA NZ director Sarah Pender said ADA NZ is working with local manufacturers in the Palmerston North region of Manawatu such as Manawatu Knitting Mills, Outback Trading Company, Academy Apparel, Black and Co, Norsewood Knitwear, and Robert Embroidery.
“This facility furthers ADA NZ’s ability to provide greater efficiencies in total apparel management for 12,000 (plus) personnel within the NZDF,” director Pender said.
“We anticipate that in future, the site will be used as an advanced distribution hub across a multitude of clients.”
