By James Wells
Independent Liquor Group (ILG) has opened a $24 million warehouse and distribution facility at Erskine Park in western Sydney.
The 15,000 square metre facility will service the 1,200 independent retail businesses owned by 860 separate shareholder members of the ILG cooperative.
ILG executive chairman, Bob Bourne, recognised the assistance provided by the NSW Minister for Regional Development, Tony Kelly, who through his portfolio has been instrumental in the development of the warehouse and has for several years provided the cooperative with the use of Treasury bonds with a fixed rate of 6.5 per cent over ten years.
“Congratulations to ILG this warehouse provides a boost for the western suburbs,” said the minister, who attended the opening ceremony.
In his address, Bourne explained the environmental features of the new facility. “Our environmental inclusions include solar hot water through all the amenities, rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling, building management to control power usage of air conditioning and lighting, storm water detention pond and carpet tiles which are much more environmentally friendly,” he said.
“A significant advantage over the years has been at every construction, the inclusion of the latest state of the art IT and technical improvements.”
Bourne also reassured members that building dedicated facilities — as opposed to renting them from other parties — represented better business practice.
“As you will appreciate from the past, this is not the first time we have constructed a purpose-built wide range complex. Recently a member said to me ‘why did we not just pay rent?’ I must state emphatically this morning according to our CFO [that] significant savings in interest against rental accommodation is a proven track record for this organisation with the recent profit on the sale of our last complex of $5.5 million, which is retained by the cooperative for use as working capital.”
Bourne recognised the contribution by project manager, George Birdsall, who not only oversaw the construction of the facility but completed it under budget.
The opening ceremony was completed with the cutting of a cake and the unveiling of a plaque as well as tours of the new building.