Construction is well underway on the first Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre (FC) in the Southern Hemisphere and is on track for completion at the end of 2021.

Located at Kemps Creek in western Sydney, it will be the largest warehouse in Australia, spanning 200,000 square metres across four levels – around the same size as Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne.

To date, more than 1,400 people have worked on the construction of the site which included the erection of the 13,500 tonne Australian steel frame – more steel than what was used for Sydney Olympic Stadium.

Last week, an additional 300 contractors commenced the fit out of the warehouse, including the installation of the conveyer belt and robotics equipment.

Once operational, the fulfilment centre will house up to 11 million items and will be equipped with the most advanced Amazon robotics technology to better assist employees and serve customers.

Amazon Australia director of operations, Craig Fuller said the first Amazon robotics site for Australia will deliver more than 1,500 local jobs with the opportunity to work alongside advanced robotics.

“This will be our fifth fulfilment centre and will effectively double our operational footprint in Australia, providing our customers with wider selection and faster delivery. Utilising advanced technology, the robotics will enhance the efficiency of our operations as well as the safety of our associates,” he said.

“As we expand our roots here in western Sydney, we remain committed to enriching and giving back to the local communities and look forward to working with Penrith Council and local schools and groups to contribute and support the community around our new facility in a meaningful way.”

When it opens the Amazon Robotics FC will see robots work collaboratively with employees by moving the pods of inventory to them, reducing the time and effort that would otherwise be required for the employee to stow items for sale or pick them for new customer orders. They also save space, allowing for 50% more items to be stowed per square metre.