TEN years after an earlier proposed Asahi distribution facility became caught in political controversy and failed to proceed, the beverage giant has officially committed to a major new logistics hub at Redbank.
Asahi says the facility will deliver hundreds of jobs and cement Ipswich’s growing reputation as a logistics powerhouse.
Property and infrastructure group Goodman will develop the 48,500sqm facility at Redbank Motorway Estate, creating approximately 300 full-time construction jobs and supporting Asahi Beverages’ long-term supply chain strategy across Queensland and Australia’s east coast.
The announcement comes a decade after a proposed $50 million Asahi distribution facility at Redbank made headlines during the 2016 Ipswich City Council election campaign.
At the time, the then-Mayor Paul Pisasale publicly welcomed the project before planning approvals had been secured, prompting criticism from Asahi, which said discussions remained commercial-in-confidence, with no approvals or contracts yet in place.
The proposed development never eventuated, with the company instead continuing to assess its logistics requirements across South East Queensland.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she remembered the moment clearly.
“It started from an announcement at an Ipswich Chamber of Commerce event back in 2016 that I had also attended,” she said.
“Paul Pisasale announced to the entire room that although the deal was still confidential, Asahi would be constructing a distribution centre in Ipswich. It was met with silence and gasps in the room.
“They say loose lips sink ships, and that was exactly what happened. That moment cost Ipswich a $50 million investment, and hundreds of local jobs, which ultimately went to Brisbane as a result.”
Mayor Harding said that councillors leaking commercially confidential information had serious consequences and impacts, and one of her focus areas since becoming Mayor in 2020 was to rebuild the business community’s trust in Ipswich City Council.
She said the Asahi facility, anticipated to be fully operational by 2028, highlighted the city’s growing importance as a major industrial and logistics hub.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest-growing city, with Redbank Motorway Estate playing a key part in our role as a major logistics and employment centre.”
Asahi Beverages Chief Supply Chain Officer Adrian Benson said the confirmed investment reinforced the company’s commitment to Queensland and Australian manufacturing.
“The investment in the new Redbank distribution centre further highlights our long-term commitment to Queensland,” Mr Benson said.
The facility will feature advanced automation technology including sophisticated robotics and a high-speed shuttle system, allowing faster and more efficient distribution across Queensland and beyond.
Goodman CEO Australia Jason Little said the estate’s location and infrastructure made it an ideal fit for Asahi’s future growth.
“This site offers outstanding automation and logistics connectivity, providing the essential infrastructure needed to support Asahi’s growth and service across Queensland,” Mr Little said.
