Based on the last five years of market trends analysis, DRAKKAR Logistics, a 3PL partner of choice, anticipated that the global demand for outsourcing of logistics services would substantially increase over time. In an effort to synchronize every facet of their offering to respond to their clients' needs, the company added warehousing management to its service lines in 2021. Subsequently, this service has developed into three real estate investments of warehousing facilities totaling close to 400,000 sq. ft. with an expansion of 120,000 sq. ft. currently under construction at their Anjou center. This proactivity proves the company to be visionaries in the logistics field amid the global pandemic and throughout its recovery.
Already the largest warehouse in the DRAKKAR Logistics portfolio of properties, the Anjou facility is expanding from a vast 206,000 sq. ft. since possession in 2022, to 326,000 sq. ft. as early as mid-April of 2023. The organization understands the challenge the industry is facing regarding the lack of storage space and is resourceful in its efforts to accommodate its customers’ inventory needs.
The 120,000 sq. ft. expansion in Anjou, situated at 8000 Av. Blaise-Pascal, Montréal, QC H1E 2S7 to destuff inbound containers from the Port of Montreal, will further support the cross-docking of goods from origin to destination and immediate demand for short-term storage.
Strategically located in the Metropolitan area, the company’s Lachine warehouse, at 2720 Alphonse Gariépy, Lachine, QC H8T 1X5, which is in close proximity to railroads, accommodates the western axe of the Island of Montreal, and is approximately 40 kilometres from the Anjou facility which services their eastern clientele.
The company prides itself on leveraging its best-in-class technology to offer same day, real time inventory management through its Warehouse Management System (WMS) along with a customer portal to reduce delays and improve inventory visibility in the Supply Chains.
“Manufacturers, retailers and even distributors have a lot of pressure regarding logistics capacity especially in relation to the instability of supply chains in certain industries. It is through understanding the Canadian market and the reality of our client’s business model, that we are responding to their storage space concerns and focussing our attention on supporting our local, national and international customers.” Said Michel Girard, President of DRAKKAR Logistics.
Situated in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), at 134 Bethridge Road, Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 1N3, and spanning 142,000 sq. ft. of space, the Toronto warehouse was the third, and likely not the last, warehouse the company welcomed into their warehousing management services, providing an omnichannel approach of practical, tailored solutions.
In 2022, DRAKKAR Logistics’ Toronto warehouse has already responded to the Ontario economy’s scarcity of storage space. With its current capacity utilization at 78%, the warehouse manages more than 20 loads per day and can hold over 12,000 pallets at full capacity, an objective the company is confident will be obtained due to the growing demand.
The three warehouses consist of great teams that are qualified to manage high volumes of goods with efficiency and accuracy. It is within their expertise to have meaningful exchanges and trusted relationships allowing them to become familiar with their customers’ business in order to confidently and strategically guide them with the best operational solutions.
“Our lean management approach keeps us efficient and close to the client, expedites the decision-making process, and allows us to provide immediate, sound advice and solutions. This level of attention streamlines our warehousing operations which provides our teams with the ability to treat same day requests and maintain personable interactions.” Added Martin Roy, Vice President Sales & Operations at DRAKKAR Logistics.
Was it a bold decision to acquire three warehouses, one after the other, during a global pandemic or just what the industry needed? With the Anjou expansion, it is apparent that DRAKKAR Logistics knew exactly what they were doing by introducing warehousing to their services including fleet & dock, freight, as well as talent management.
The expansion will officially welcome additional inventory and potential clients in a few short weeks!