Giffels undertook a study of the Greater Toronto Area land market to identify suitable sites for very large, multi-purpose distribution centre. The CP Intermodal lands on Highway 50 in Vaughan, Ontario, were considered optimal because of the close proximity to the Intermodal terminal and the strategic location near Highways 427 and 407. Giffels then sought a client looking for a distribution facility able to service the major portion of the Canadian market, via intermodal rail.

Giffels arranged with Sears Canada, a major national distributor and one of Canada’s leading retailers, to design and construct its national distribution centre. Giffels demonstrated that Sears current overall floor area and staff could be reduced and their throughput increased by means of this facility. Giffels worked closely with all levels of the Sears team to finalize the concept and to demonstrate the functionality of the design.

The facility features an extensive cross dock area with over 200 shipping doors, a 40 ft. clear height, narrow aisle racked warehouse and a two storey office complex. Also on the site is a 34,000 sq. ft. truck and trailer maintenance facility. In addition to the facilities, Giffels, in conjunction with CP and their consultants, designed and negotiated the servicing for the entire greenfield site with the Town of Vaughan and the Regions of Peel and York.