Sobeys to Build New Thrifty DC

SN STAFF

VICTORIA, British Columbia — Sobeys on Monday said it would build a new distribution center here to serve its outlets and independent customers in the province, including Thrifty Foods.

Sobeys said it would begin construction of the $31 million, 150,000-square-foot facility next year with plans to have it operational by late 2012.

The new center would allow Sobeys to close one of the three facilities currently serving Thrifty Foods. The Butler Crescent center would remain open and continue to operate as Sobeys’ divisional office, the company said.

The facility is being built on 19 acres owned by the Victoria Airport Authority.

Sobeys said it would seek a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification and will incorporate many sustainable and energy-saving features including waste recycling, heat capture, energy use monitoring, gas leak protection systems and environmentally farmed wood products in its construction.

"Sobeys remains committed to the future growth and development of Thrifty Foods here on [Vancouver] Island and across BC,” Bill McEwan, president and chief executive officer of Sobeys, said in a statement. "Since 2007, Sobeys has invested over $90 million in new and upgraded Thrifty Foods stores and distribution centers, adding more than 800 jobs in British Columbia.”