Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ford Motor Company has announced the location of the second new distribution centre in Ontario, located in a newly constructed facility in Paris, just northwest of Brantford.
The new state-of-the-art facility is being constructed by local builder Vicano Developments Ltd., on a site at the corner of Rest Acres Road and Highway 403. It will comprise about 562,000 square feet of space.
Ford has signed a long-term lease to be the sole tenant at the 30-acre site.
The facility will be one of two new parts distribution centres being constructed in Ontario replacing Ford’s 900,000 sq. ft. Bramalea facility.
Vicano Developments Limited negotiated a long-term lease agreement with Ford to construct and lease the new Ford distribution centre on a 30-acre parcel of industrial land it owns facing Highway 403.
The proposal was chosen from multiple submissions from other proponents from across southwestern Ontario. The proximity to Highway 403, speed of delivering the building and strong labour pool were all positive factors in the Vicano proposal.
“The County of Brant planning approval process is streamlined, responsive and takes a pragmatic approach to the development approval process,” said Paul Vicano, executive vice-president, Vicano Developments Limited.
Construction began in May 2021 and structural steel erection has now commenced on site.
Completion of the new facility is slated for December 2022.
“The County of Brant continues to search out and secure opportunities to stabilize and grow our local economy. This includes attracting and supporting small, medium and large businesses such as Ford,” said Mayor David Bailey.
“As the County continues to grow, it is important to balance the industrial, commercial and residential growth to stabilize the tax base and provide jobs for residents. To do this, the County has adopted a progressive, forward-thinking approach to working with businesses.”
The approach includes a holistic approach to maintain and create new infrastructure, continually evolving the County’s economic development program and policies to attract business and collaborating with regional partners and stakeholders to ensure a positive outcome.