Aldi rollout gathering steam

Aldi remains on track to open its first Western Australian supermarkets by the middle of the year, ramping up its recruitment drive while construction is under way on 14 stores.

The German discount chain initially began its recruitment efforts in October last year and recently appointed 45 management personnel from a pool of 3,000 applicants.

Aldi is now looking for ancillary staff to run the first stores of its $450 million expansion into WA.

Around 1,200 staff will be needed in total, to run Aldi’s planned 70 stores which are expected to open in the state over the next few years.

The 45 store manager and assistant store managers already appointed are set to begin training this month, at the same time the recruitment drive continues for trainee store managers and retail assistants.

Construction is under way at 14 of 25 confirmed locations for Aldi stores, with new supermarkets being built at sites owned by the chain in Mundaring, Butler, Kwinana, Rockingham, Southern River, Mandurah and Joondalup.

Leasehold supermarkets also being built are at Wattle Grove, Halls Head, Australind, Mirrabooka, Belmont, South Lake and Camillo.

Other confirmed locations of interest for Aldi include Nedlands, Lakelands, Mandurah, Cannington, Haynes, Midland, Ellenbrook, Busselton, Maddington, Secret Harbour and Waikiki.

Each store is expected to provide opportunity for between 15 to 20 full and part-time employees.

The supermarket chain’s 50,000 square metre distribution centre at Jandakot is nearing completion, with construction contractor Georgiou expected to finish work by the end of April under a $51 million million deal.

Aldi WA managing director Viktor Jakupec said the company was looking for enthusiastic and ambitious people to work in its stores.

“Aldi employees are highly motivated and dedicated to delivering the best shopping experience to our customers,” Mr Jakupec said.

“In return, they are provided with rewarding careers, development opportunities and industry-leading employment benefits.”