Having already completed two projects in the Greater Toronto Area, the two companies are now turning their attention to the province of Quebec and are starting construction of a logistics center in Terrebonne, in the northern suburbs of Montreal. The 55,742 m² high-tech distribution center is scheduled to open in 2023.

Like the other two locations, this new logistics center is part of Metro's network initiative for fresh and frozen food. The OPM (Order Picking Machinery) system from Witron is already in use in numerous temperature-controlled distribution centers worldwide. The special feature of this high degree of mechanization (fully automated logistics center with warehousing, order picking and palletizing) is that the technology works just as well at double-digit sub-zero temperatures as it does at normal ambient temperatures.

The heart of Witron's OPM automation technology is the COM (Case Order Machine). A palletizing machine that forms mixed, very tightly and stably packed pallets. This type of pallet formation saves transport costs and also optimizes goods handling in the stores - a true end-to-end supply chain solution. The new warehouse in Terrebonne is designed for a picking capacity of up to 285,000 retail units per day with 12 COMs in the fresh food area and 9 COMs in the frozen food area. The complete system can process approx. 6,800 items in the frozen and fresh food areas.

"It is truly remarkable that Metro has relied on Witron technology for the third time since the end of 2017," says Karl Högen, CEO Witron North America. He adds: "We value the great relationship that our two companies have built. We are always looking for more than just a customer - we want to find true business partners and create a win-win relationship for many decades to come. Our market presence in Canada has grown tremendously in recent years and we are proud to open our first office in the Montreal area in 2020. This is another important milestone in our 25-year success story in North America."