Metcash

Metcash, one of Australia's largest wholesale distribution and marketing companies. They started with a small 'corner store' in Wooloomooloo, New South Wales in 1927.

Since then, they have grown into a massive network ("family") of independent retailers including IGA Supermarkets, Mitre 10, Celebrations, Total Tools and Home Timber & Hardware. With one of the widest retail distribution networks in all corners of Australia, Metcash's purpose is to champion successful independents to ensure they have the "best store in their town."

They wanted a fit-out of Barrier Group safety products and line marking to ensure their new facility and car park met Australian safety standards and maintained good traffic flow, helping boost Metcash's ongoing success in the safety department.

This case study shows how Metcash Australia ensured their warehouse and car park facilities were safe and secure with Barrier Group's comprehensive traffic management and line marking solutions.

Location: Truganina, Victoria
Complete: September 2024
Visit: https://www.metcash.com/

The Problem

Metcash has seen strong post-covid growth, leading to the need for expansion to a new facility in Melbourne Business Park, situated in Truganina, Victoria. To comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations in an environment with significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic, Metcash required the creation of separation spaces to ensure safety.

The Solution

Install Heavy-Duty W-Beam Guardrail around the perimeter of the Metcash facility to separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic coming to receive products to be delivered.
Utilise Barrier Group's line marking capabilities to mark traffic routes and designate parking spaces for a multi-level car parking space.
Implement speed humps to control the speed and flow of traffic to suit the specific requirements in car park spaces.
Help vehicle drivers and pedestrians have a clear field of view to spot potential hazards with outdoor convex safety mirrors.

The Challenges

In order to execute the installation of safety products and line marking, we needed to follow the step-by-step process to ensure that Metcash had the perfect safety solution to meet their growing needs.

On-Site Assessment:

Metcash approached Barrier Group initially to do a price up for some Speed Humps and W-Beam Guardrail around the perimeter of the facility. However, at the time we were unable to install the speed humps until they had officially been handed the keys to the facility from the builder.

Before the installation of the speed humps, Barrier Group recommended Metcash to have a free on-site consultation to see if there were any other products or services we could offer. By doing this we could listen to the site concerns Metcash faced and offer a tailored solution that met their specific requirements.

Data Collection:

For the next step, we drew up a quote and worked with Metcash to ensure we had the proper documentation to get our team ready for the installation time. This included doing any health and safety inductions and ensuring our team had the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like reflective clothing and hard hats.

Given the scale of the project, careful planning and coordination were crucial to its success. We needed to ensure that all equipment and products were ordered and delivered efficiently, minimizing any potential delays. This involved closely monitoring the supply chain to ensure that each component arrived on time and in the correct quantities.

Communication played a vital role throughout this process. We maintained regular updates with Metcash, to keep them informed of progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments as needed. Internally, the Barrier Group installation team was kept well-informed through detailed briefings, ensuring everyone was aligned on timelines, responsibilities, and any changes. This led to a smooth and communicative installation process.

Installation:

In consultation with Metcash, we commenced the product and line marking installation over several weeks, making adjustments as needed to ensure great results.

The Results

Metcash’s new facility in Truganina is now fully equipped with safety measures that account for both perimeter and car park areas. The installation of safety barriers will help protect pedestrians and vehicles from potential hazards and workplace incidents, providing enhanced security and peace of mind.

Client Response

With the successful installation of Barrier Group's safety product and line marking services, Metcash's new facility in Truganina is now fully equipped to handle the demands of a busy distribution hub. The strategic placement of W-Beam Guardrails, speed humps, custom signs, and other safety solutions ensures that both pedestrian and vehicle traffic can coexist safely, meeting Australian safety standards. This comprehensive safety setup not only protects the wellbeing of staff and visitors but also reinforces Metcash's commitment to operational excellence as they continue to grow. Through collaboration and meticulous planning, Barrier Group has delivered a tailored solution that supports Metcash's ongoing success in the competitive retail distribution industry. As a result of this positive outcome, Metcash has engaged Barrier Group for additional safety projects in the future, further strengthening our partnership.