Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API), Walker Corporation and Ipswich City Council will this Wednesday (16 December 2009) celebrate the building completion of the 19,000sqm new API Distribution Centre at CITISWICH Business Park.

The new 19,000sqm facility for API is the first facility completed by Walker Corporation at CITISWICH Business Park since taking control of the project in 2007.

API expects the new centre to be fully operationally by April 2010, employing approximately 180 staff and servicing over 900 pharmacies and Priceline stores across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

API’s Group General Manager, Supply Chain & Chief Information Officer, Peter Hourihan said the new distribution centre will be one of the best in Australia, providing more efficient distribution of pharmaceutical, retail and over the counter products to Queensland and northern NSW communities.

“This new centre has been designed to cater for the consistent growth of our business in Queensland while also providing great amenities for our staff re-locating to the site.”

“We are confident of continued growth in our Priceline retail brand and in wholesale distribution. Our new distribution centre will ensure we have the capacity to meet the growing demand for our services across Queensland and Northern NSW.”

National Industrial Manager of Walker Corporation, Michael Sutherland, said that the successful and rapid completion of the centre was a direct result of the good relationship formed between Walker, Council and API.

“Both API and Walker are making a long-term commitment to investment in this region because quite simply - Ipswich is a great place to do business. Ipswich City Council is the most proactive council in Australia, delivering jobs and continued strong economic growth for the region, and making it attractive for businesses like API and Walker to commit to development in this region.

“Walker is looking forward to continuing to work with council throughout 2010 and beyond to attract industry and jobs to Ipswich through the development of CITISWICH Business Park.

Ipswich Mayor Cr Paul Pisasale welcomed API to Ipswich and said he knew their staff would enjoy being part of this growing community.

“Ipswich is preparing for a 20 year boom as the city grows from 160,000 residents to 435,000 residents by 2031. The investment that companies like Walker and API make in our city are important to providing jobs, helping the greater Ipswich region grow sustainably.”

API joins Capral Aluminium, Hume Masterpanel, Australian Wood Panels, and Australian Hardboards at CITISWICH Business Park. Walker is also completing a new 26,000sqm distribution centre for The Reject Shop at the new estate. CITISWICH Business Park is the largest industrial project under development in Queensland, and will provide over 5,000 jobs for the growing Ipswich region upon completion.

For more information contact:

Tessa McMahon
Walker Corporation
Tessa.mcmahon@walkercorp.com.au
0404 898 453

DRAFT PRESS RELEASE
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16, 2009