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.”