Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) subsidiary ADA New Zealand announced it has opened its multi-function logistics hub in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The 3,000 square metre facility will serve as a hub for design and development, data-driven wearable systems, logistics, and warehousing, catering to the needs of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
ADA New Zealand secured a significant clothing contract in 2022, aiming to provide high-quality apparel services to over 12,000 NZDF personnel. This strategic move to Palmerston North was made possible through a collaborative partnership between ADA, Palmerston North City Council, and The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA).
ADA CEO Chris Dixon said, “The strategic move to Palmerston North was a collaborative partnership with ADA, Palmerston North City Council, and The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) to create employment opportunities across the Manawatu region.”
“The grand opening of the new ADA Headquarters and Logistics Hub demonstrates a significant commitment in the partnership with NZDF by ADA NZ. This facility will provide a logistics hub and R&D facility enabling ADA to service the needs of soldiers, sailors, and aviators of the NZDF. The construction and ongoing operation of the facility has, and will, continue to provide an economic impact through employment, supply chain, and services opportunities in the Manawatu region and beyond. The NZDF is proud to see our partnership with ADA NZ bring a positive impact to the community, in which we live and work,” said Brigadier Rob Krushka, Chief Joint Defence Services.
Palmerston North was chosen as the location due to its strategic position as a central logistics hub in the Lower North Island, facilitating efficient national distribution. The city’s forward-looking, large-scale infrastructure program aligns with the goal of delivering supply chain efficiencies and proximity to a substantial portion of the NZDF’s personnel.
ADA NZ Program Director, Sarah Pender, emphasised the facility’s role in enhancing apparel management efficiency, stating, “This facility furthers ADA NZ’s ability to provide greater efficiencies in total apparel management for 12,000+ personnel within the NZDF. We anticipate that in the future, the site will be used as an advanced distribution hub across a multitude of clients.”
Tony A. P. McQuillan, Director – Defence Equipment Management Organisation – Defence Logistics Command New Zealand Defence Force, added, “The completion of the new ADA NZ headquarters and logistics facility in Palmerston North is a fantastic milestone for ADA NZ as the newest NZDF Strategic Partner. It enhances the industrial base of the Manawatu Region and provides state-of-the-art and resilient wearables supply, and design and development capability within the geographic centre of mass of the NZDF.”
