Joined by Hilton Food Group CEO Robert Watson OBE and Joint Managing Director of LOGOS John Marsh, the sod-turning ceremony marked the official commencement of development works on the circa 45,000 sqm facility, which totals an investment of up to $115 million.

Foundation works commenced late last year, with structural steelworks underway. The facility is the second stage of LOGOS’ 25 hectare Heathwood Logistics Estate, with the Ashai Beverages facility completed in November 2017.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said attracting major commercial businesses to Brisbane was part of a strategic focus to grow Brisbane’s economy.

“This project demonstrates Brisbane’s ability to attract significant commercial investment, and will create 500 new jobs with the potential to generate $850 million for our city’s economy.

“The Brisbane 2022 New World City Action Plan identified food and agribusiness as a key growth sector for the city, so we welcome this investment from both Hilton Foods and LOGOS in Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.

LOGOS’ Joint Managing Director, John Marsh, said: this event was an important milestone for the project and the local area.

“It’s been fantastic to have had the ongoing support from the Brisbane City Council on this project and the broader Heathwood Logistics Estate,” Mr Marsh said.

“We’re excited to be continuing to work with them, Hilton and all our partners on delivering this world leading facility in Brisbane.”

Hilton Chief Executive Officer, Robert Watson OBE said the new facility is a strategic investment for their business.

“It provides excellent exposure and access to the Logan Motorway and broader arterial roads into the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport which is key in delivering our quality meat products to Woolworths stores.

“With construction scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2019, we are looking to have our first delivery in January 2020.”

Combined with Asahi Beverages facility and future development of the residual Heathwood site, the estate will be a super, prime logistics estate worth over of $400 million.

The estate is one of several prime development sites owned by the LOGOS Australia Logistics Venture (LALV), a partnership established in late 2014 between LOGOS and its capital partners with a strategy to acquire and develop prime logistics estates across Australia.