A ground breaking ceremony was held on June 18, 2018, when food service distributor, Gordon Food Service announced the start of construction on a distribution centre in Ajax, Ontario according to Verdict Food Service. The Ajax distribution Centre will be the largest in the country for this company and will deliver up to 60,000 packages per day. The distribution center will use 330,000 feet of space.
"We're very excited about growing in the greater Toronto area and our overall business in Ontario." "We began doing business in this area in the early 1990's and while our business has now expanded coast to coast in Canada, Ontario will always be a big part of our company history." "We also know there are very talented people here who we hope will join us in our efforts when the new distribution centre opens next year."
Gordon Food Service Canada president, Dean Nobel
Canada based Maple Reinders will build the new centre and construction will be ongoing throughout the summer. Maple Reinders Group president and CEO, Harold Reinders says "Our relationship with Gordon Food Service goes back more than ten years as we've helped them further strengthen their presence in Canada with distribution centres out west in Alberta as well as Ontario."
According to nbc-2, the new facility will be more automated than previous centres that Gordon Food Service has built in Canada. The roof of the centre will also be higher than usual with a 55 foot peak to accommodate equipment requirements. Foundation work will commence in mid-September and automation will start in May of next year with a go-live date for the full facility including automation set for the early part of 2020.
Maple Reinders is a full-service builder that specializes in industrial, commercial and institutional construction along with civil/environmental construction such as water/wastewater treatment plants and composting. Their yearly revenues of half a billion dollars and offices all across Canada with over 2,600 projects coast to coast has enabled them to grow to become one of the most respected and trusted firms in Canada today.
"The new Ajax facility further strengthens our position as the largest privately held broadline distributor in Canada and I'm excited about the opportunities this new facility will create for our customers across Ontario."
North American President and CEO of Gordon Food, Rich Wolowski
Dean Noble, President of Gordon Food Service Canada added "this investment is a testament to our strong reputation and relationships with customers across Canada." "Thanks to the great success of our Canadian operation, the warehouse in Milton, Ontario is reaching capacity and the new Ajax distribution centre will allow us to expand our capabilities and better serve our customers."
Mayor Steve Parish of the town of Ajax stated that the new center is situated in the Carruthers Creek Business Park and will create new job opportunities in the logistics and warehousing service sector. Mayor Parish also said, "Through our unique PriorityPath Program, Gordon Food Service will receive expert support to navigate the development approvals process, including expedited site plan and building approvals. In partnership with Durham Region, we are proud to facilitate the creation of local jobs and contribute to the economic sustainability of our community."
The new distribution centre will incorporate several automated features such as product selection, sorting and truck loading. The technology planned for the facility will enable them to run multiple shifts seamlessly between inbound and outbound warehouse activities. The operations will centre around fulfilling product orders and will be located on the northwest corner of Ringer and Salem Streets.
Gordon Food Service has been delivering steadfast quality and sincere service for their customers since 1897. They began as a straight-forward butter and egg delivery service and have grown to become the largest privately held food service distributor in North America by endorsing the same approach for 120 years which is to remain devotedly committed to the people they serve. Presently they serve food service operators in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest regions of the U.S. and coast to coast in Canada.
