IXOM Insights: Engineering Resilient Warehousing and Freight Networks

Resilient supply chains are the result of deliberate choices about partners, standards, data and people, made over time and tested repeatedly. IXOM’s warehousing and packaged freight network across Australia and New Zealand has been engineered to operate through uncertainty as a base case, drawing on our experience navigating disruptions from droughts and demand volatility to fuel instability and global disruption.

This article draws on insights from Michael Sincich, National Warehouse and Packaged Distribution Manager, and Imtiaz Khan, Supply Chain Manager NZ, to outline how IXOM designs and operates our warehousing and packaged freight network for optimum performances when conditions are most challenging.

Safety as the governing framework

At IXOM safety enables performance, underpinning every aspect of how our warehousing and packaged freight network is designed, governed and operated.

“A lot of people see safety compliance as an obstacle. But for IXOM, it’s our competitive advantage – it’s what we do best. It’s built into everything we do and we never compromise on it.” – Michael Sincich

That expectation applies consistently across Australia and New Zealand, extending beyond IXOM-operated sites to carriers, warehouses and logistics partners. By setting non-negotiable standards upfront, and maintaining them regardless of operating conditions, IXOM reduces the likelihood of disruption, improves recovery when incidents occur, and ensures the network operates predictably under pressure.

Partner selection as a strategic control

Establishing clear standards allows IXOM to select partners strategically rather than on a transactional basis. IXOM works with a defined group of long-standing logistics and warehousing partners selected for alignment on safety, performance and sustainability.

The long-standing nature of these relationships allows for flexibility and capacity when market conditions change.

“Our carrier relationships give us the ability to purchase dedicated assets or increase transport capacity quite quickly. That’s critical when we’re dealing with uncertain market demands – like drought, demand spikes, supply shocks, and everything in between.” – Imtiaz Khan

ANZ network, deliberately constructed

IXOM operates a comprehensive warehousing and packaged freight network across Australia and New Zealand, executed locally but aligned by shared standards, controls and operating discipline.

In Australia, the network spans more than 40 carriers and 70 stock point locations, combining IXOM-owned facilities with third‑party warehouses distributed across the country. Multiple locations and operating options reduce reliance on any single site and allow the network to flex as conditions change.

In New Zealand, IXOM works through a deeply integrated third-party warehousing and freight model, supported by 26 stocking points, up to 12 carriers and two particularly long-standing partnerships.

These operations are supported by global scale, structured to respond to local operational realities and function cohesively across Australia and New Zealand.

Built to perform under disruption

The resilience of the network becomes most evident during periods of disruption, when flexibility, capacity and experience matter most.

“IXOM is a tier-one provider, which makes us a more sustainable partner through times of uncertainty. While you might be dealing locally, you’ve got the backing of a global industry leader who can leverage their long-standing relationships and robust supply chain” – Michael Sincich

That backing translates into optionality, even during crisis.

Data-driven, not reactive

Execution at scale depends on foresight as much as physical capacity. Across the network, warehousing and transport decisions are supported by data, dashboards and shared visibility with customers.

This includes insight into customer tank capacity and usage patterns, allowing IXOM to anticipate demand and plan deliveries before pressure is placed on transport assets, storage or production. The network is designed to remain ahead of volatility rather than respond to it.

Experience that compounds over time

Processes and systems matter, but resilience ultimately relies on people. Across ANZ, IXOM’s supply chain teams bring experience shaped by successive disruption events.

“Our teams learned together through COVID, through the Ukraine war and fuel crises. We draw on that experience to help us respond to today’s challenges – we’ve re-enacted our established crisis processes, we anticipate challenges, and our experience has taught us that communication matters, so we proactively share each step of the journey.” – Imtiaz Khan

Built over decades

The flexibility of IXOM’s warehousing and packaged freight network is inseparable from how it has been built.

“Our supply chain hasn’t been created overnight. It’s been built over decades. It’s stood the test of time, it’s been challenged repeatedly, and it’s continually reviewed and optimised through every event.” – Michael Sincich

Our longevity is underpinned by consistency in standards, safety and partnerships, influencing the way the network operates every day.

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IXOM continues to invest in the people, infrastructure and governance required to operate safely and reliably across conditions and cycles.

To learn more about IXOM’s approach to supply chain resilience across Australia and New Zealand, and how we can help solve your challenges, click here.