Australia’s leading pharmaceutical distributor, Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) has shrugged off the recession, commencing construction today (April 15, 2009) of a 19,000 square metre distribution centre in Ipswich.

The API facility, to be operational late this year, will service over 900 pharmacies and Priceline stores across Queensland and Northern NSW and employ 180 staff, many of whom attended today’s ground-breaking ceremony.

The leased centre forms a key element in Walker Corporation’s development of one of Queensland’s major industrial projects – the $1 billion CITISWICH Industrial Estate – which has also attracted The Reject Shop, Capral Aluminium, Andrew Print Transport, Australian Wood Panels and Australian Hardboards.

API’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Stephen Roche said “This new development will be one of the best distribution centres in Australia, helping to make the provision of pharmaceuticals to all Queensland communities more efficient and effective. It has been designed in conjunction with supply chain experts Xact Solutions and caters for the growth we expect to get in Queensland while also providing great amenities for our staff re-locating to the site.”

“Despite the economic slowdown, 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.

Executive Chairman, Walker Corporation, Lang Walker said CITISWICH Industrial Estate will provide API with a cost-effective, well located site to grow their business.

He said, “We are very confident in our development of industrial and commercial properties across Queensland, particularly CITISWICH, as they are benefiting from the State and Federal Government’s heavy investment in transport and services infrastructure.

“We see that the western corridor will be largely insulated from any slow down in the rest of the state, as the area provides companies like API with the opportunities to cut their costs and improve their supply chain logistics”, he said.

“The rapid economic development of the Ipswich area, and the estate’s proximity to a large, skilled workforce and growing population means that estates such as CITISWICH become the logical move for businesses wanting to capitalize on the Western Corridor’s growth opportunities,” he added.

CITISWICH Industrial Estate is Walker Corporation’s largest industrial development to date, spanning 335 hectares and valued at over $1 billion. The estate forms part of a $2 billion portfolio of industrial development currently under development by Walker Corporation, which includes a new 100 hectare industrial estate in Direk, north of Adelaide, and a 30 hectare business park in the ACT.

Walker will build a range of community facilities on the 335 hectare estate, including public open spaces, parks and playing fields, and landscaped areas on the banks of Bremer River.

Founded in 1910, API owns the Priceline brand and is one of Australia’s leading pharmaceutical distributors holding relationships with more than 4000 independent pharmacies. API’s services include wholesale product delivery, retail services, marketing programs and business advisory services.