CoolDrive Breaks Ground on New Head Office and Distribution Centre

CoolDrive Auto Parts has officially commenced construction on its new head office and national distribution centre, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth.



Located in Boronia, Victoria, the new purpose-built facility is scheduled for completion in October 2026 and will consolidate three existing Melbourne distribution centres into one highly efficient national warehouse.



The development will feature over 31,000 square metres of warehouse space, and 2,300 square metres of office space, designed with the latest technology and sustainability standards.



It will also house the Blanchard Racing Team Supercars workshop, bringing together CoolDrive’s corporate and motorsport divisions.



“CoolDrive has come a long way since my parents started the company from our family garage,” said John Blanchard, Executive Chairman at CoolDrive Auto Parts.



“When we moved into our current head office at Box Hill in 2000, it was a major leap forward. Now, 25 years later, this new development represents another exciting chapter – one that will secure CoolDrive’s place at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket for decades to come.”



Central to the facility’s design is the integration of cutting-edge automation within warehousing and logistics operations, which will streamline processes, boost accuracy, and accelerate delivery times.



This next-generation approach will significantly enhance service levels for trade customers and improve supply chain efficiency for industry partners across Australia and New Zealand.



“CoolDrive has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the strength of our people, our customers, and our supplier partnerships,” said Gerard Belleville, Chief Executive Officer at CoolDrive Auto Parts.



“This investment is about more than just a new facility; it’s about ensuring we continue to deliver the highest quality of service and efficiency in the industry. The incorporation of automation will revolutionise our warehousing operations, improving speed, accuracy, and reliability for our customers and suppliers alike.”



The new facility will provide direct access to major arterial roads, Eastlink, and the forthcoming North-East link – offering exceptional connectivity across Victoria’s transport network and beyond.



Tim Blanchard, Chief Operating Officer, further highlighted the benefits of the move: “Ultimately, this move is about delivering more value to our customers. With a more advanced, automated, and efficient facility, we can respond faster, expand our product range, and uphold the service excellence CoolDrive is known for.”



“The new site will be the foundation for our next era and will allow us to bring all of our head office teams together in one location, fostering greater collaboration and efficiency.”



Sustainability is at the forefront of the project, with the new facility targeting a 4 Star Green Star Building rating.



It will operate entirely on 100 per cent grid-sourced renewable energy and feature a 300kW solar PV system (with room for future expansion), smart LED lighting, EV charging stations, and extensive rainwater harvesting systems.



Construction practices will ensure 95 per cent of waste is diverted from landfill, and the building design will optimise natural light, air quality, and energy performance.



CoolDrive is collaborating with a strong team of partners on the project including Charter Hall, CBRE, JXC Group, URBIS, Watson Young, ABL, and delivery partner Qanstruct to ultimately deliver a world-class facility that blends innovation, automation, functionality, and sustainability.



CoolDrive acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the facility is being built, and acknowledges and pays respect to their elders, past and present.