Delivering a Future-Ready Warehouse for Suntory Oceania

Cook Brothers Construction has set a new benchmark in industrial builds by delivering Suntory Oceania’s $13 million warehouse in Wiri, Auckland.

This purpose-built facility dramatically increases Suntory Oceania’s on-site storage capacity from approximately 1,000 to more than 4,300 pallet spaces, supported by a state-of-the-art electronic warehouse management system that streamlines inventory control and enhances supply chain efficiency.

Proactive Planning from Day One

A cornerstone of this project’s success was our involvement from the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase. Following the Suntory procurement process, this early engagement enabled the team to identify and address potential risks before construction began, resulting in minimal changes during the build and providing Suntory Oceania with certainty around delivery, quality, and cost. The ECI process also ensured that the highest standards of health, safety, sustainability, and quality (HSSQ) were maintained throughout.

Collaborative Problem Solving and Agile Project Management

The project scope included demolishing an existing warehouse, carrying out complex ground improvements, and constructing the new 4,000 m2 facility. Initial ground works presented the greatest challenges, with unforeseen in-ground conditions requiring adaptive solutions. To enhance collaboration, the project team leveraged the Last Planner system on TouchPlan. This digital platform enabled transparent, effective communication and coordination between the project team, Trade Partners and Auckland Council. As a result of this collaborative, agile approach, the team recovered from a 14-day delay and delivered the project ahead of schedule.

Sustainability Through Innovation

Sustainability was at the forefront of the construction process. Instead of sending all of the demolition waste to landfill, our project team worked closely with the consultant engineers and our demolition Trade Partner, Ward Demolition, to repurpose 1,500,000kg of concrete from the old warehouse. By bringing a crusher on-site, the demolished concrete was processed and reused in the ground improvement works, reducing waste and costs and contributing to a more sustainable and responsible build.

Building for the Future

The construction of the new warehouse also provided an opportunity to work with specialised ground improvement techniques, including the installation of 908 rammed aggregate piers (RAPs), a methodology that could only be undertaken in New Zealand by CLL Service & Solutions. This not only ensured a robust foundation for the facility but also provided valuable learning experiences for the project team.

Cook Brothers Construction’s delivery of Suntory Oceania’s new warehouse exemplifies what’s possible when proactive planning, transparent communication, innovation, and sustainability are placed at the heart of a project. The result is a modern, efficient, and future-ready facility that meets the needs of one of the world’s leading beverage companies.