CANADA - In the same vein as when the going gets tough, the tough get going: When the grocery giants get competitive, the competitive get giant. Such is the case for Candadian grocery retailer Loblaw, who recently underwent a massive expansion at its Cornwall distribution facility—a warehouse located in what the Ottawa Business Journal has deemed as one of Eastern Canada’s major warehousing and distribution hubs.

“Cornwall is an existing distribution centre that is expanding and, by the end of 2021, will be among Canada’s best and most modern, introducing new jobs, technology, and greater volumes. It includes automation but also people,” said Catherine Thomas, Senior Director of External Communications, according to Seaway News. “When the site is fully operational it will service our stores in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. There will be an increase in the workforce there, but we can’t confirm precise numbers.”

According to the news source, the retailer’s Cornwall facility will be expanding from 500,000 square feet to 900,000 square feet, which will include the integration of the latest in automation technologies and more.

Loblaw’s recent facility expansion is part of a restructuring effort in its distribution pipeline and will include the closures of its centres in Ottawa and Laval. The retailer anticipates the facility to be fully operational by 2021.

For more breaking industry news on how the grocery retail sector's most competitive giants are expanding tenfold in 2020, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Loblaw