METRO starts fresh with construction of its $400-million Ontario distribution network modernization

Toronto, September 19, 2019 - METRO (TSX: MRU) has officially marked the start of construction to modernize its Ontario distribution network, hosting a groundbreaking ceremony with its Ontario leadership team on the grounds of what will become the new, semi-automated Fresh Distribution Centre at 17 Vickers Road.

The investment, which was announced in October 2017, will modernize the supply chain infrastructure to be even more responsive to the needs of its customers. This will enable the company to continue its growth and expansion in the Ontario market.
 

• The modernization project includes a new fresh foods facility and a new frozen foods facility, both with state-of-the-art technology to provide improved product assortment, products freshness, selection accuracy and improved service for METRO’s customers and store network.


• This first distribution centre is located at 17 Vickers Road in the Toronto municipality of Etobicoke.


• Construction will take place in two phases, through to 2023, to ensure existing facilities can continue to operate throughout the build and ensure that operations transitions smoothly to the new facilities once completed.


• The complete modernization program, that include the new Fresh and Frozen Distribution Centres, along with administrative offices, are expected to total over 700,000 square feet.

METRO’s Carmen Fortino, Executive Vice President, Ontario Division Head and National Supply Chain, Yves Vézina, National Vice President, Logistics and Distribution, Dan Gabbard, Vice President, Logistics and Distribution, and employee representatives break ground on METRO’s new semi-automated Fresh Distribution Centre in Etobicoke.

About METRO 
With annual sales of approximately $16 billion, METRO INC. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, and manufacturer, the company operates or services a network of more than 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as of more than 650 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners, providing employment to almost 90,000 people. For more details, visit corpo.metro.ca.

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For further information:

METRO
Media Relations
514 643-1009 ou 1 800 463-2190
media@metro.ca