The Beer Store is planning a major new distribution centre and central head office in Milton, Ont., as the retailer makes what it calls the largest investment in supply-chain infrastructure and technology in its history.

The facility is expected to open in late 2027 and will significantly increase The Beer Store’s distribution capacity. It will also introduce automated technology the company says has not previously been used in Canada.

The Beer Store has not disclosed the address, size or real estate structure of the new facility.

“This investment gives us a strong foundation for the future and helps ensure we can keep serving customers for another 100 years,” The Beer Store president and CEO Roy Benin said in announcing the project.

The Milton move also raises questions about the future of The Beer Store’s relatively new distribution centre and corporate office in Bolton.

The Beer Store opened the 380,000-square-foot Bolton distribution centre in 2021, consolidating previous distribution operations in Brampton and Whitby. Corporate employees also moved to the facility from the company’s former Mississauga office.

At the time, The Beer Store said the Bolton facility had been designed to accommodate increased volume, a growing range of products and an expanding distribution network.

The new Milton facility will again combine distribution and central head-office functions. The Beer Store has not said whether it plans to retain the Bolton operation after the Milton facility opens.

The company said its existing network of distribution centres will continue serving retail and licensee customers during the transition.

The expansion comes as The Beer Store’s role in Ontario’s alcohol market evolves following the province’s expansion of beer sales to convenience, grocery and big-box retailers.

In 2025, The Beer Store distributed more than 3.2 million hectolitres of beer to thousands of retail and convenience customers across Ontario.

“This investment gives us the tools and capacity to grow our business and continue our focus of excellent customer service,” said Chris Galli, senior vice-president of supply chain and logistics.