Lactalis Canada to open new distribution centre in Ontario

Lactalis Canada is entering into a long-term lease for a new distribution centre in Oshawa, Ont.

The 379,000 square-foot facility, located at 1680 Thornton Road, is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

Lactalis, which produces such brands as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia, says the centre will consolidate multiple shipping locations used to service the cheese and tablespreads category – including the internally-operated Belleville, Ont. distribution centre – into a central, modern facility.

Features include the ability to store up to 60,000 pallets in both cooler and freezer environments; zero-carbon ready with the potential to be Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) certified; use of energy efficient lighting controls, equipment and high insulation values; and solar panels on the roof, to name a few.

“Lactalis Canada’s new facility in Oshawa will become the largest distribution centre, from a capacity standpoint, for Lactalis Group globally,” said Mark Taylor, president & CEO, Lactalis Canada, in a statement. “This bold step exemplifies Lactalis Canada’s growth ambitions in Canada as a dairy leader and more importantly, reinforces our continued commitment and investment in the country and communities in which we operate.”

The agreement was facilitated by CBRE Limited and the distribution centre will be developed, built, and leased by Broccolini with construction beginning immediately. The design of the facility was supported by GKC Architecture and Design.

 The facility will create approximately 80 jobs in Oshawa and the surrounding region.