Elders invests in wool handling facilities
Elders has recently established a world-first automated wool handling business, which is a clear indication of the company’s confidence in the wool industry and its growth.
Elders’ commitment to the Australian wool industry has only grown since the Elder family first began buying, financing and handling wool in the mid-1800s. Now handling more than 350,000 bales of wool each year, Elders continues to adapt and innovate in a changing wool industry by establishing a world-first automated wool handling business, Elders Wool.
Elders has invested $25 million in the new wool handling business, the largest single investment in wool handling this century, signifying a long-term commitment to the Australian wool industry.
The wool handling operation is based around two centralised hubs, in Melbourne and Perth, supported by an extensive network of receival centres.
The Melbourne facility, which opened earlier this year, accommodates bales stacked 10 high in its 35,000 m2 warehouse. The bales are moved using a fleet of 22 electric-powered autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), which are a world first for the wool industry, while automated, custom-built core lines process wool.
The AGVs are self-driving, laser-guided vehicles that can operate 24 hours a day before recharging for 90 minutes. Powered by on-roof solar, Elders say the AGVs use significantly less energy than human-driven forklifts and provide significant long-term operational and safety benefits.
The bales are moved using electric-powered autonomous guided vehicles, which are a world first for the wool industry.
The Perth facility, which opened in July 2023, combines wool sales activities with storage and handling operations, aiming to improve efficiency in the wool supply chain.
“We want to ensure we deliver the best results for the next generation of wool growers across Australia.”
Mark Allison, Elders Managing Director and CEO
Elders Managing Director and CEO Mark Allison says that the new business is an investment in the future of Australian wool and will revolutionise wool handling.
“Elders is committed to providing exceptional customer service and contributing to the future success of our growers and the wool industry. We are demonstrating this commitment by continual investment in supply chain optimisation, including the logistics, sampling, sales and storage of wool through automated warehouse operations,” Mr Allison said.
“Elders recognises that the landscape of the Australian wool industry has changed dramatically in the last three decades and it is critical to adapt and change for Australian fibre to remain some of the best in the world.
“To this end, in making the largest single supply chain investment in the Australian wool industry this century, we stand with our customers to deliver the best sustainable wool supply globally.
“The long-term sustainability of the wool industry and improved outcomes for our clients is our key priority.”
AWI CEO John Roberts congratulated Elders on investing in innovation and the future of the Australian wool industry.
“Serving woolgrowers and keeping wool efficient and relevant has always been my key priority. To see Elders deliver this level of commitment and innovation to our industry is not only highly motivating for all industry participants, but symbolic of the belief and fortitude Elders have had for wool and woolgrowers for more than 185 years,” John said.
“Despite some terribly challenging times for our industry, Elders has once again illustrated their faith in our fibre, and its future.”
Elders Wool complements Elders’ existing wool offering, with existing wool selling centres in Yennora, Brooklyn and Spearwood remaining in operation. Clients also continue to have access to a wide range of wool selling tools through Elders, including auction, auction forward, and Wooltrade.
This article appeared in the September 2024 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
