• New High-Tech Distribution Centre equipped with the first Automated Storage and Caddy Pick System in the Asia Pacific Region
• The new system will double the manpower productivity with the ability to handle up to 120,000 cartons per day
• FairPrice commits to donate S$50 million to FairPrice Foundation by 2020

SINGAPORE, 16 September 2015 – NTUC FairPrice (FairPrice) today officially launched FairPrice Hub, which serves as its new headquarters and houses its new High-Tech Distribution Centre. The Distribution Centre is equipped with technological innovations to manage increasing consumer demand for the next 20 years. The event was graced by Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

Mr 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.”

The new High-Tech 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 esprit-de-corps and 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.

Giving back to the community

Remaining true to its commitment to give back to the community, NTUC FairPrice has committed to donate another S$50 million to FairPrice Foundation by 2020 to help the poor and needy, promote community bonding and support workers’ welfare.

Mr Chin said, “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 S$88 million to FairPrice Foundation, which was set up in 2006 to focus its giving efforts to provide a better life for the community.

Convenience and vibrancy for the community

FairPrice Hub also houses various eateries, including a food court run by NTUC Foodfare, and retail outlets including its newest membership based supermarket retail format – The Warehouse Club. The Warehouse Club concept, which is popular in countries like the US, Australia, and Taiwan, enables consumers to purchase products in bulk in a warehouse environment and enjoy greater savings. The store also provides consumers access to exclusive brands like the Kirkland Signature products, Carrefour and Tesco housebrand products. To date, The Warehouse Club has over 32,000 members.

Committed to the environment

Aligned with FairPrice’s commitment to environmental sustainability, FairPrice Hub incorporates extensive green architecture features which promote sustainability and conservation of resources. It was conferred the prestigious BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2013.

These green features includes solar panels, motion sensors, LED lighting and demand-controlled air-conditioning systems, water efficient fittings and leak detection systems to minimise resources. These systems enable the building to reap an energy savings of over 4.3 million kWh/yr which is equivalent to the average annual electricity used in about 1,275 three-room HDB flats a year.

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