UPS expands further in Canada with Halifax facility

UPS has continued expanding its operations in Eastern Canada, with the opening of a new multi-million dollar logistics facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 50,000 square foot facility is a key part of the company’s expansion strategy in the Atlantic Canada region, it said yesterday at the grand opening.

UPS is expanding its door-to-door delivery services across eight cities in Eastern Canada this year, and said Halifax was a key access point for major supply chain networks, locally and globally. The company has created 130 jobs so far, and plans to increase that to 250.

Along with its first ever logistics facility in Halifax, UPS said it has added air capacity for the region that will speed up the flow of goods from local businesses to customers.

UPS said its customers would see a one-day improvement in getting products to market.

Mike Tierney, the president of UPS Canada, said: “The introduction of this facility, the reliable UPS brand and industry-leading service enhancements now provide customers in Halifax with access to our vast global network, allowing them to focus on their business while we do what we do best, provide expert logistical solutions.”

UPS has been operating in Canada since 1975, and now has a delivery fleet there of 2,500 vehicles, almost 10,000 employees and more than 85 daily airline flights.

The company said its investment in Halifax was part of a larger expansion in the country that has included development of a new facility in Calgary, Alberta, along with two new facilities in Ontario and an expanded hub in Toronto.

UPS has also developed a healthcare hub in Burlington.

Jim Morton, the local Legislative Asssembly member speaking on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris, said at yesterday’s opening: “Today’s grand opening builds upon the commitment UPS has shown to the Canadian market with a strategic focus on Halifax and Atlantic Canada, which is beneficial for all stakeholders involved. UPS’s multi-million dollar investment in our region will create more than 250 new UPS jobs.”