Robotics-ready, people-powered: delivering for L’Oréal

L’Oréal set out to accelerate growth, streamline operations and future-proof its Australian business with a new distribution centre to support its people and the planet. 

Partnering with Goodman for the first time in Australia, L’Oréal established its inaugural Queensland facility at Redbank Motorway Estate.

This bespoke solution combines smart, automation-ready design with next-generation sustainability in a high-impact location - supporting the growth of its portfolio of 30 beauty brands.

“Month-on-month, we’ve been able to increase the volume of units we’re shipping from this site while maintaining a high standard of safety, quality and accuracy,” said Emilie Varral, Distribution Manager at L’Oréal.

 Built for scale and speed

Located at Redbank Motorway Estate, L’Oréal’s flagship 14,553 sqm facility boasts direct access to key freight routes, including the adjacent Ipswich Motorway. This allows L’Oréal to reach 2.8 million potential Brisbane customers within a 60-minute drive*. 

This scale and strategic positioning reduced lead times by up to three days while significantly increasing L’Oreal’s distribution capacity. It also unlocks access to a skilled workforce, with the global beauty brand’s new facility generating 100+ jobs in 18 months - most filled by local residents.

Smart design, safer operations
Goodman delivered a facility tailored to L’Oréal’s operational specifications, with an optimised layout to boost efficiency and capacity. The site is future-proof, designed to integrate automation and AI as operations evolve, and was built with safety at its core.

A key requirement was the safe storage of flammable products such as aerosols. Working with specialist fire engineers, Goodman delivered a 660 sqm dangerous goods bunker, seamlessly integrated with the base building and allowing for future operational flexibility. Goodman also managed approvals from local, state and federal authorities, ensuring full compliance.

Putting people and planet first
Targeting a 4 Star Green Star rating, the facility integrates sustainability into L’Oréal’s everyday operations. A 365kW solar system comprising over 800 panels generates 45% of the facility’s energy - equivalent to powering approximately 100 Queensland homes. This is bolstered by onsite rainwater harvesting and free onsite EV charging for staff.

Together, Goodman and L’Oréal have designed a workplace that unlocks collaboration between office and warehouse staff, with similar amenities and equitable access points throughout.
A shared vision is the facility’s biodiversity garden, offering abundant green space with native plants, fresh produce, and upcycled furniture made from timber sleepers.

*Esri and Michael Bauer Research