NewWorld to Open $45m Central Distribution Centre in Wairabetia

NewWorld will be welcoming more Fijians into the renowned company soon. This follows the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s $45million Centralised Distribution Centre at Wairabetia in Lautoka yesterday by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

The 60,000 square metres land belongs to the Tokatoka Korovatu, Yavusa Koi Vuda. NewWorld Chairman, Pravin Patel said when operational, the centre would supply 19 of the company’s own stores and many other smaller stores around the country including the outer islands.

Mr Patel said NewWorld employed approximately 1200 Fijians with more than half being women.

An artistic impression of the NewWorld’s Central Distribution Centre

The A-G acknowledged the company for having the confidence and willingness to invest. He said the long-term strategy of the company led it to where it was today.

“In any company to be successful, any organization to be successful, any Government to be successful you need to be able to have a game plan, you need to be able to think beyond your nose, you need to have a long term strategy in place,” said the A-G.

“The directors of this company of course can testify the need to have a vision, the founders of this company of course had a vision, they wanted to have a successful business they grew as a small business and today they have now partnered with IGA."

He added that Fiji was able to bounce back following the COVID-19 pandemic because of the very strong and decisive leadership decisions that were made.

The centre’s warehouse is expected to be completed in the next 15 months while the company’s central office, central bakery, and an open area for the staff will be completed in the next year or so.

The new Distribution Centre layout will be based on the best practices developed by their partner, Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), USA.

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