Loblaw Companies Limited

Challenge

As part of its aggressive expansion into the growing ethnic food market in Canada, Loblaw acquired Asian food distributor Canada Six Fortune Enterprise Co. Ltd. In 2011. To accommodate Loblaw’s target growth plans, the Canada operations in Vancouver, BC would have to relocate from its current 50,000 square foot premises. A new facility of approximately 100,000 square feet including cooler and freezer improvements was to be in operation as soon as possible.

Solutions

Loblaw engages CBRE who immediately embarked on a comprehensive search for suitable existing, planned, and off-market opportunities. A detailed request for proposal process was under taken of three short listed options.

Results

Due to Loblaw/Canada’s specific, food-related, requirements, a design-build option proved to be the most attractive solution for near and long-term growth plans. A highly efficient 100,000 square foot dry storage, cooler and freezer distribution centre is under development or a prime parcel of land in south Burnaby’s Big Bend area.