Loblaw's Halifax Distribution Centre to close

BRAMPTON, ON, Aug. 12 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) today announced that upon careful consideration of its overall Atlantic regional distribution centre (DC) network it will be closing its Halifax Distribution Centre located at 12 Dominion Crescent, Lakeside, Nova Scotia, on or about Oct. 9, 2010.

The move is an effort to simplify the Company's distribution network and to reduce excess capacity in the Atlantic region and is aligned with the Company's long-term vision to improve service to stores. One of six DCs in the Atlantic region servicing approximately 123 Loblaw stores, the Halifax Distribution Centre is almost 25 per cent smaller than the Company's nearby Lakeside Distribution Centre, located at 19 Lakeside Park Drive, Lakeside, Nova Scotia. The Lakeside facility will continue to operate.

"This was a difficult decision. This move is not a reflection of the management team or our colleagues. We thank and appreciate our colleagues for their dedication and service," said Julija Hunter, vice-president, Public Relations, Loblaw Companies Limited.

The Halifax DC currently employs 115 colleagues and the Company is exploring the potential for alternative employment within the network for as many colleagues as possible. The Company understands the impact these changes will have and is committed to working with its colleagues and their local union to provide transitional support to help them in their efforts to find new employment.

The Company remains committed to the highest standards of service excellence to customers throughout these changes and it is confident of a smooth network transition.

For further information: [email protected], Julija Hunter, Vice President, Public Relations, Loblaw Companies Limited, [email protected] or 905-459-2500