Modernization of METRO's distribution network in
Quebec and Ontario
MONTREAL, Nov. 8, 2023
/CNW/ - Today, METRO Inc. ("METRO") (TSX:
MRU) opens its new automated distribution centre for fresh and
frozen products in Terrebonne.
This new, modern infrastructure is the result of a substantial
investment program, valued at nearly 1
billion dollars, aimed at modernizing METRO's distribution
network in Quebec and Ontario to meet the expectations of its
customers even better, and its merchant and pharmacist owners, now
and in the future.
The inauguration of this new centre marks a significant
milestone for METRO and reaffirms the prominent economic role that
the company plays in Quebec,
especially through the investment of over $420 million in its Quebec distribution network and the tens of
thousands of jobs it provides across the province.
"Our new automated distribution centre in Terrebonne represents the future of METRO's
fresh and frozen product distribution in Quebec," said Eric La Flèche, President and
Chief Executive Officer of METRO Inc. "It will strengthen our
market position, generate new opportunities for our company and
employees, and enable us to remain competitive while pursuing our
growth."
With a total surface area of over 600,000 square feet, the
equivalent of more than 10 football fields, the nine-storey high
building houses two distinct temperature-controlled zones for some
7,000 fresh and frozen products.
"Our new automated distribution centre will help improve the
quality of service and products sent to grocery stores, thanks to
greater order accuracy and reduced handling time, as well as
improving the resilience of our supply chain," stated Caroline Larocque, Vice President Logistics and
Distribution, Quebec. "We are now
even better equipped to provide the right product, at the right
time, to the right store, and to do so efficiently." The centre
will thus promote a better customer experience by offering even
more products and variety.
Several specialized Quebec
companies have contributed to this ambitious project, including
general contractor Divco, Aubin Pélissier for the refrigeration
system, and GKC Architectes as principal consultant. In terms of
automation, the centre uses technology from Witron, a German
Company and an international leader in automation in the food
distribution sector, with whom METRO already works in Ontario. The automated system will deliver
efficiency gains that will translate into better service to some
700 food stores served by the centre.
In addition to offering a modern working environment, in the
distribution centre and in the offices, teams will work in a
state-of-the-art centre where safety is top priority, and where the
facilities and environment are pleasant. Employees will be able to
enjoy a cafeteria with meals cooked on site, a fitness room and a
daycare centre that will open its doors in 2024.
About METRO inc.
With annual sales of more than $19
billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec
and Ontario, providing employment
to more than 95,000 people. Its purpose is to Nourish the health
and well-being of our communities. As a retailer, franchisor,
distributor, manufacturer, and provider of eCommerce services, the
company operates or services a network of 975 food stores under
several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food
Basics, and 645 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet,
Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners. For more details,
visit corpo.metro.ca.
Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which
reflect management's expectations relating to expected future
events including, but not limited to, to statements relating to the
impact that will have the new distribution center and the benefits
it will bring. These forward-looking statements typically contain
future or conditional tense verbs and the words "valued", "aimed"
or other similar terms. These forward-looking statements are not
facts, but only reflections of management's estimates and
expectations. Although Metro believes that these statements are
based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable
and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a number
of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from management's expectations as set forth in such forward-looking
statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general
economic conditions and the risks and uncertainties discussed in
the "Risk Management" section of its 2022 Annual Report.
The forward-looking statements included in this press release
are made only as of the date hereof and METRO does not undertake to
publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new
information, future events or otherwise. Considering these risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events contained
in these forward-looking statements may or may not occur. METRO
cannot assure that projected targets, results or events will be
achieved.
SOURCE METRO INC.