Toll reveals Singapore hub plans

Toll Group has announced details of the advanced new logistics facility it plans to construct in Singapore, with the five-story, 100,000 square metre freight hub to be known as Toll City to cost an estimated $S228 million ($A229 million).

The intention to build Toll City was first announced at Toll Group's AGM in 2014, before the freight giant was acquired by Japan Post earlier this year.

Located in Tuas, Singapore, Toll says the facility will feature state-of-the-art automation systems to boost productivity and efficiency, and will ultimately deliver a better freight service for Toll's customers in Singapore and across the broader Asia Pacific region.

Singapore's Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Teo Ser Luck, joined Toll Global Logistics CEO Chris Pearce and Chargé d'Affaires, Australian High Commission, Adrian Lochrin at a ceremony to mark the start of works on Monday, July 27.

Mr Pearce said Toll City represented a key step in the group's strategy.

"The size and scope of this investment is a testament to Toll's intent to achieve supply chain excellence in Asia Pacific for its customers," he said.

"Toll City will redefine warehousing solution options for its customers through leading-edge technology and innovation in a world-class facility. We will be ready to increase Toll's productivity and meet warehousing capacity demand in a region that is set to become one of the largest economic blocs in the world."

Some of the high-tech options being reviewed for the Toll City development include high-speed unit picking, voice picking and intelligent conveyor systems. The integrated transport and warehouse systems are complemented by energy-efficient initiatives including rain water harvesting and energy monitoring.

Toll City is expected to be operational by mid-2017. The facility has close proximity to road links with Malaysia and the growing Jurong region while it will also complement to new Tuas Port, which will consolidate Singapore's container operations once construction is complete in 2020.