STELLARTON, Nova Scotia — Sobeys here said it would begin construction of a new automated distribution center in Terrebonne, Quebec. The 415,000-square-foot center, which would use the same state-of-the-art technology debuted at Sobeys’ distribution center in Vaughn, Ontario, is scheduled to open in early 2013, the retailer said, and would consolidate all of Sobeys’ dry grocery distribution in the province.
The Vaughn facility, opened last year, utilized and automated picking and assembly system developed by Witron Logistik that improves selection accuracy and allows for customized deliveries at the store level.
As part of the Quebec consolidation, Sobeys said it would close a current distribution center at Riviere-du-Loup and convert another at Rouyn-Noranda into a cross-docking facility. It said it would “refocus the mandates” of its three other distribution centers located in Montreal, Boucherville and Quebec City. These changes are expected to occur in early 2013.
