IKEA Canada has opened a one million-square-foot distribution centre in the Greater Montreal Area.

The new Beauharnois, Que., facility ships products to IKEA distribution centres in other Canadian markets and serves serves customers who purchase items online.

“By optimizing its distribution network, IKEA aims to further elevate the shopping experience and meet the ever-evolving needs of its valued customers by notably using automated storage and retrieval systems as well as automated goods-to-person picking and packing solutions,” said the company in a news release.

The massive development secured LEED Silver certification and includes 20 electric-vehicle chargers for employees and guests.

IKEA will install 15 EV chargers for commercial fleets in December 2023. The move supports IKEA Canada’s ambition to provide zero emission home deliveries by 2025, said the company.

Rochon told Le Journal de Saint-Francois that the facility will serve other distribution centres between Winnipeg and Halifax. Starting in October, it will also ship missing parts to online customers across North America.