Groupe Robert and Dematic to become Quebec’s first 3PL provider

Intelligent automation provider Dematic is partnering with Groupe Robert on a new distribution centre featuring 130-ft tall cranes that will support high-density storage and fulfillment of fresh and frozen products. The Dematic Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) will be one of the tallest for a third-party logistics (3PL) facility in Canada and the first-of-its-kind in Quebec. Completion is expected by February 2023.

“We have experienced continuous demand from our customers for increased capacity, and so a new building was inevitable,” said Michel Robert, President & CEO, Groupe Robert. “With Dematic we were able to plan ahead to forecast growth expectations, save on costs and support our strong environmental sustainability initiatives.”

The AS/RS will feature storage capacity for 60,000 pallets — 30,000 in fresh temperatures and 30,000 in frozen (down to -28 degrees C). A high-performance carbon dioxide system will provide refrigeration. Additionally, a low oxygen system will mitigate fire hazards.

The facility will be equipped with a heat recovery system allowing it to use heat generated by the refrigeration equipment to warm the inside of the facility as well as to melt snow outside the loading docks. The system has the capacity to heat the equivalent of 100 single-family homes. Solar panels to augment energy efficiency and a rainwater collection system for washing trailers also contribute to sustainability.

“The Groupe Robert team made clear their priorities for this facility,” said Vera Friedrich, managing director, Dematic Canada. “The solution will deliver on those priorities — increased capacity, lower operation costs and improved sustainability. And building ‘tall’ instead of ‘wide’ will not only save real estate expense, but reduce energy consumption as well. We are extremely proud to partner with such a forward-looking company.”