Walmart Canada unveils state-of-the-art warehouse technology in Cornwall
December 10, 2021Cornwall Ontario – Walmart Canada has officially opened a brand new, state-of-the-art warehouse order fulfillment system at its distribution centre in Cornwall, Ontario – the first of its kind at Walmart Canada.
This $20-million investment will improve Walmart Canada’s world-class supply chain and future- proof the organization by equipping associates with the industry-leading technologies, training, and development they need to modernize work and keep goods flowing.
The 40,000-square-foot space provides the retailer with a modern method of order fulfillment that uses innovative technology with a user-friendly computer system to deliver goods to associates. The system will provide general merchandise, including health and beauty products, apparel, stationery, and electronics to 136 Walmart stores from Kingston, Ontario, to Canada’s East Coast. It is part of Walmart Canada’s $3.5-billion investment to make the online and in- store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient for associates and customers.
“We’re incredibly excited to be modernizing our supply chain – in Cornwall and across the country. These investments will help our associates to better serve our customers,” said Horacio Barbeito, President and CEO, Walmart Canada. “Cornwall is an integral part of our supply-chain network and we’re committed to providing jobs and opportunities to this valuable community that we’ve proudly called home for 27 years.”
Investing in Cornwall
Walmart Canada has been proudly serving the Cornwall community since 1994. The Cornwall Walmart store was converted into a Supercentre in 2015, where it currently employs approximately 280 associates. Cornwall is also home to four Walmart distribution centres, covering 2.9 million square feet. Across Eastern Ontario, Walmart Canada’s four distribution centres and 27 stores employ more than 10,000 associates.
This project will strengthen the local economy by providing employment in Cornwall. The build created more than 150 engineering jobs in Cornwall. Walmart Canada is hiring for 80 positions inside the Cornwall regional distribution centre.
“We are very pleased to see Walmart Canada continue to invest in Cornwall,” said Cornwall Mayor Glen Grant. “This investment in state-of-the-art technology reinforces Walmart’s position as a world leader in the supply-chain sector, and supports the 2,000-plus workforce in Cornwall that work hard every day to bring much needed goods to Canadian families.”
New features and benefits at the Cornwall facility include:
- Modern machinery powered by an easy-to-use computer system that helps support workflow, improving accuracy and traceability.
- The infrastructure can transport 60,000 goods in 16 hours, increasing speed and productivity.
- The facility uses cutting-edge logistics technology, installed by Vanderlande.
- The technology helps move goods in the warehouse with fewer physical demands.
- It is omni-capable in meeting the current and future needs of stores and e-commerce.
- The new software is similar to what will be used in two distribution centres currently under construction in Surrey, British Columbia (expected to open in 2022)and Vaughan, Ontario (expected to open in 2024).
Available Jobs
Current job postings from Walmart Canada and Walmart Logistics can be viewed on the ChooseCornwall.ca Job Board.
About the Cornwall Distribution Hub
Walmart’s Cornwall Distribution Hub is comprised of two large buildings, the Harmony Distribution Centre and the Regional Distribution Centre. Both buildings, measuring 1.5 million sq.ft. each, are located in the Cornwall Business Park.
The Harmony Distribution Centre handles fresh produce, dairy and meat products that form the core of Walmart’s growing grocery business. It also houses Walmart fleet operations, along with dealing with imported goods and high velocity items.
Together, the Harmony and Regional Distribution Centre form a Cornwall campus that handles over 500,000 packages a day.
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 centre 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 chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving more than 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, walmart.ca is visited by 900,000 customers daily. With more than 100,000 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 $500 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at: walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.