PEP Hammarsdale DC: A blueprint of sustainable logistics

PEP’s new national distribution centre in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, is a major project that began over five years ago. It highlights PEP’s dedication to operational excellence and customer service. The centre is also a prime example of environmental sustainability, especially in water harvesting.

The state-of-the-art facility spans an impressive 140 000 square metres of operational space. It is designed to support the group’s growth, enhance service levels, and drive operational efficiencies. But beyond its operational capabilities, the centre is a model for sustainable building practices. Beyond its operational function, the centre is a benchmark for sustainable construction.

A significant highlight of the distribution centre is its advanced water harvesting system. With water scarcity becoming an increasingly critical issue, PEP has taken a significant step forward by integrating a comprehensive rainwater collection mechanism into the facility’s design. This system captures rainwater and directs it into a massive three-million-litre attenuation dam on the premises, integrating technologies that ensure maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

The harvested rainwater undergoes purification at an on-site plant, ensuring the water is safe for consumption. By utilising this innovative system, PEP minimises its reliance on municipal water supplies, thereby reducing its environmental footprint and ensuring a sustainable water source for its operations and surrounding community.

The centre’s commitment to sustainability does not stop at water. The facility is a model of green practices, featuring off-the-grid solutions such as 1.5 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and lithium-ion batteries for all mobile material handling equipment. The solar panels capture renewable energy, powering the centre and contributing to the national grid’s stability. At the same time, lithium-ion batteries offer a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries, further enhancing the facility’s green credentials.

Designed with efficiency and employee safety in mind, the centre boasts an optimal layout for truck circulation and product flow, extensive racking configurations for storage, and pedestrian access tunnels for safe employee movement. The administration building and housing facilities for up to 600 employees per shift reinforce the company’s focus on creating a conducive working environment.

Serving over 2 000 PEP and PEP HOME stores across southern Africa, the distribution centre is set to process more than 250 million units annually. This facility is not just a logistical hub but a flagship for sustainable practices in the industry, proving that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with business growth and operational excellence.

This distribution centre is more than a building; it is a blueprint for the future of sustainable logistics.