Walmart Canada to invest more than $175 million to build new sustainable, state-of-the-art fulfillment centre in Surrey, British Columbia

• New fulfillment centre will result in 150-200 long-term jobs in Surrey and surrounding community, plus additional 300 skilled construction and engineering roles during the construction period
• Fulfillment centre will provide fresh and frozen grocery items to 60 stores within British Columbia
• Facility to feature state-of-the-art technology, with focus on sustainability and zero-waste

SURREY, BC, July 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada has announced plans to invest more than $175 million to build a new 300,000 square foot, high-tech, state-of-the-art fresh, frozen grocery facility in Surrey, BC, creating between 150 to 200 new, long-term jobs. In addition, 300 skilled construction and engineering roles to support the 14- to 18-month build period will be required once construction begins in early 2021. Building designers will focus on sustainability, including plans for it to be a zero-waste facility when it opens in early 2022.

"Walmart Canada is delighted to build our new fulfillment centre in Surrey," said John Bayliss, senior vice-president, logistics and supply chain, Walmart Canada. "We believe that our zero-waste, sustainable facility will be a great fit for this community. We are also looking forward to working closely with the outstanding universities and colleges in Greater Vancouver to connect with highly-skilled individuals and offer employment opportunities."

In addition to leading-edge sustainability features, Walmart Canada plans to build a zero-waste facility. Specific sustainability features will include:

• Energy Efficient LED lighting and intelligent controls, which reduces lighting energy consumption by 70 per cent
• Alternative battery cell (lithium) to reduce overall power consumption at the site
• Efficient refrigeration systems using environmentally preferable, CFC free carbon dioxide (CO2)
• HVAC system designed to reclaim heat rejected from the refrigeration system to heat offices and radiant under floor heating
• Use of electric Walmart fleet vehicles travelling to and from the facility

Partnering with a leading warehouse technology company, Walmart Canada will design a modern and innovative building, including state-of-the-art automated technology that will work alongside skilled associates, providing best-in-class processes. The new facility will deliver fresh produce and frozen grocery to 60 stores throughout British Columbia, providing better access to grocery items for Walmart Canada's stores in the province.  It will also reduce the company's long-haul trips and directly reduce its carbon footprint.

"The City of Surrey is excited to receive Walmart Canada's application to construct its latest state-of-the art and highly sustainable fulfillment centre in the Campbell Heights Business Park.  As proposed, this major investment promises to make a significant, positive economic impact on our community with new jobs in construction, engineering, and long-term staff roles," said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner.  "We are also pleased to hear that the projected plan for the facility features an elevated design with a smaller footprint when compared to traditional warehouse facilities. This is a novel, forward-thinking approach, in line with the City of Surrey's progressive leadership in the stewardship of industrial land within the region."

About Walmart Canada Logistics

Walmart Canada's distribution centres are hubs of activity, with more than 4,500 associates and drivers moving thousands of items daily from sites located in Calgary, Mississauga and Cornwall to stores from coast to coast. Walmart Canada operates 8.75 million square feet of distribution center and will move approximately 853 million cases of merchandise in FY19.These goods are transported by a combination of 3rd party fleet as well as Walmart Canada's fleet of 180 tractors, 2,000 trailers and more than 350 drivers. Walmart associates receive competitive wages and benefits, and enjoy working in a team environment with an inclusive culture. Associates have unparalleled career mobility, training, learning and development opportunities, and the ability to shape their own careers.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 410 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, walmart.ca is visited by 600,000 customers daily. With more than 85,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $300 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE Walmart Canada