Grocery chain Metro to invest $420M to build new high-tech distribution centre outside Montreal

Ontario and Quebec grocery chain Metro Inc. has set aside $420 million to put toward construction of a new distribution centre on the outskirts of Montreal, as well as an expansion to an existing facility in Laval, Que.

The company said last week it plans to build a new 600,000 sq. ft. automated distribution facility for fresh and frozen products in Terrebonne — just north of Montreal. The state-of-the-art site will let the grocery firm improve efficiency and service its store network more quickly. Construction is scheduled to run until 2023.

The investment will also pay for upgrades to Metro’s existing produce and dairy products distribution centre in nearby Laval. The company plans to add 50,000 sq. ft. at the facility.

Metro said it has partnered with automated logistics firm Witron on technology for the new or expanded facilities. The food store chain is already working on similar upgrades to its distribution facilities in Ontario.