Metro to Build 'Automated Distribution Center' in Terrebonne While Expanding Laval Facility
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA - A new top-of-the-line distribution center is headed for the Montreal area as Metro looks to continue its growth and increase meeting expectations of its customers and potential customers.
"Our new distribution center of more than 600,000-square-feet in Terrebonne will feature state-of-the-art technologies, allowing us to make significant efficiency gains. We will improve service to our store network with increased accuracy and reduced handling time, in both the distribution centers and the stores. For consumers, these new facilities will result in even more variety and freshness. We will be in an excellent position to pursue our growth in Quebec," said Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Along with the new automated center, Metro will also be expanding its produce and dairy products distribution center in Laval. Combined, the move will be a $420 million investment (US $305 million) over five years of construction. When operating, the new facility will provide fresh and frozen products.
"This $420 million investment (US $305 million) in Quebec is in addition to the $400 million investment (US $290 million) in Ontario announced in October 2017 for the modernization of our Toronto distribution centers. We are investing in order to remain at the forefront and better meet the expectations of our customers and our merchants, now and in the future," added La Flèche.
The produce and dairy products distribution center in Laval will be expanded by 50,000-square-feet to handle an increased volume of fruits and vegetables. Dairy products will then be distributed from the new Terrebonne facility once ready.
Projected volume growth, combined with the integration of volumes currently distributed by third parties, will allow Metro to maintain stable employment levels in Quebec, according to a press release. The retailer also noted that it will work with its employees and the unions involved to facilitate the transition between facilities, including the implementation of the required training programs.
The new Terrebonne distribution center will open in 2023, while the expansion of the Laval distribution center will be completed in 2024. To read more about the details of Metro's expansion plan, read the entire press release here.
