Woolworths’ top boss has promised no jobs will be lost despite its warehouse switching to using high-tech robots to help pack customers’ online shopping.
The supermarket giant will soon unveil the first of its automated “micro-fulfilment” centres located in Carrum Downs Melbourne, in the hopes that will keep up with the increasing online demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new location is smaller than the average size distribution centres and are either held alongside or in the back of docks of existing Woolworths stores.
But despite the upgrade in technology, Chief Executive of Woolworths Brad Banducci said ten times more people will be employed in a decade at Woolworths stores than they are now.
“I think our business will have more people in it that it does now. Where they work and what they do will change, and that’s just the way the world is.” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We’d love to provide a bit more service in our stores, a bit more meal inspiration … we’re not lacking things we want to do, but we have to find very smart ways to do them given the nature of the world we live in.”
“It will change the shape of the business, no question.”
The news comes after it was revealed 1,350 Woolworths workers would be made redundant at three NSW distribution centres due to automated technology.
This article originally appeared on Over60.