IKEA partners with DHL Supply Chain to lease and operate the York Region centre

PHOTO: IKEA Canada expands distribution network with grand opening of Kleinburg Customer Distribution Centre/IKEA Canada

BURLINGTON, Ont. – IKEA hosted the grand opening of its 550,000 square foot Customer Distribution Centre in Kleinburg, Ont.

The Kleinburg Customer Distribution Centre will focus on last mile delivery directly to customers’ homes and will complement the retailer’s four stores and Mississauga Customer Distribution Centre in the Greater Toronto Area.

The multi-channel home furnishings retailer is partnering with DHL. Customers served by the new centre are expected to see shorter delivery lead times, which will support the retailer’s expanded service offering, including new lower pricing for parcel and truck delivery.

Liz Wilson, country customer fulfilment manager, IKEA Canada, said the partnership with DHL helps ensure IKEA meets “customers’ needs for convenience and speed in this fast-changing retail landscape.”

The site has created 120 indirect jobs and is operated by DHL Supply Chain, a contract logistics leader.

“Through our deep industry and market expertise, we’re well-positioned to help IKEA increase productivity and meet the ever-changing expectations of every customer, every time,” said Jennifer Askew, vice president retail operations Canada, DHL Supply Chain. “Our culture of continuous innovation also enables our team to bring productivity-enhancing technology and data-driven insight to drive even greater agility and flexibility needed throughout the retail industry.”

IKEA is bolstering efforts to reduce transport distances and emissions. The retailer has made a commitment globally to have 100 per cent electric or zero emission vehicles by 2025.

The new Kleinburg location is IKEA’s fourth customer distribution centre in Canada. The retailer opened its first centre in the Vancouver area last year and also operates facilities in the Montreal and Toronto areas.