Lee Valley Tools opens AutoStore DC

Canadian online and bricks-and-mortar retailer Lee Valley Tools has opened a micro fulfillment centre in Carp, Ontario, just outside of Ottawa.

The DC is built around an AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

The micro-fulfillment centre will allow Lee Valley Tools to consolidate 36,000 square feet of picking locations into 6,000 square feet, freeing up space for them to expand manufacturing.

The structure will have 18,000 bin locations for storing products and 42 shuttles on top of the structure. It is a goods-to-person system that automatically retrieves products for their warehouse pickers.

“The opening of AutoStore is more than a business decision; it’s a commitment to our roots here in Ottawa and prosperity for the Canadian economy,” said Jason Tasse, president and COO of Lee Valley Tools.

“As a family-owned and Canadian operated household name, our strategic choices speak volumes to the courage and boldness of our company, as we continue to respond to the ever-changing economic landscape.”

The company said that through the implementation of technology, it will work to improve efficiency, strengthen market position and augment job satisfaction and protection for core employees. The investment will enhance business operations and production during peak shopping periods, reduce handling times and increase order efficiency.

“By investing in manufacturing and automation, we are strengthening our foundation and helping employees with tasks that involve undesirable work like repetitive lifting and walking all day,” Tasse said.

“The more efficient we can make our operations, the more flexibility we have to adapt to disruptions that may occur during seasonal hiring periods and can scale appropriately as needed.