Walmart to build next-generation 550,000-sq-ft distribution centre in GTA
Walmart Canada announced a $3.5 billion investment over the next five years, which will see the GTA get a new 550,000-sq-ft distribution centre, creating hundreds of jobs.
On Monday, the retail company announced that Vaughan will get the distribution centre at 11110 Jane Street, slated to open in 2024.
The facility will reportedly leverage next generation automation and technology working with Vanderlande.
“Millions of customers choose to shop with us in-store and online every day – and that’s a tremendous honour,” said Horacio Barbeito, President and CEO, Walmart Canada.
“Today’s significant investment will position us for future growth and make Walmart Canada even better for our associates and our customers. We are doubling down on our focus on the customer experience – not just to keep up but to lead and to be the very best in Canada.”
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The investment will supposedly impact every aspect of the business leading to a faster e-commerce experience, two new distribution centres to speed up the flow of products, re-invented and “smarter” stores, an enhanced omni experience and modern digital tools to ensure associates can best serve customers.
The investment is to make online and in-store shopping simpler for customers.
The distribution centre in Vaughan is part of a $1.1 billion investment, with another distribution centre set to open in Surrey, British Columbia, in 2022.
The new distribution centres will ramp up capacity with new technologies that include the new next-generation warehouse management systems, which are “omni capable in meeting the future needs of both physical stores and e-commerce.”
There will also be investment in telematics and “internet of things” sensors across over 2,200 trailers to give real-time information around the quality and freshness of its deliveries.
And, the launching of “world-leading” artificial intelligence software in partnership with o9 to more accurately predict and better plan volume to ensure “Walmart’s customers get what they want, when they want.”
The scaling the blockchain transportation payments platform with Toronto based DLT Labs – the world’s biggest blockchain solution for transportation payments system — will also be used.
And lastly, the faculties will be using new machine learning training software to support improved training and safety on the front lines of the distribution centre and fleet operations with Axonify, a Waterloo-based micro-frontline learning company.
Walmart Canada will also be renovating over 150 stores over the next three years and expanding the full “Walmart Pickup,” offering around 270 stories — 70% of locations — by the end of this year.
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