Pet Valu completes CA$100 million supply chain transformation

Pet Valu has opened a new 295,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Calgary, 3,326 km from Ottawa. This marks the completion of its 4-year nationwide supply chain transformation to develop advanced distribution networks. 

“By implementing a modern supply chain network that is capable of providing stores with flexible, reliable and accurate service, we offer world-class, on-shelf availability in store and online,” says Nico Weidel, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Pet Valu.

The new facility features an advanced warehouse management system and modernized machine handling, safety and security systems that allow improved traceability of product and utilization of distribution assets. 

The supply chain transformation, which began in 2022, was backed by a CA$100 million (US$71.8M/€61.1M) investment to consolidate 9 company-operated and third-party warehouse facilities into 3 new, partially automated distribution centers. 

Extended capacity

The brand-new distribution center will carry the full range of Pet Valu’s product categories, including food and treats, toys, collars and leashes, as well as litter and beds, among others. 

“We have listed thousands of new products, greatly enhancing our wholesale capabilities to our franchisees and relevance to Canada’s devoted pet lovers,” Weidel tells GlobalPETS. 

The new facility will provide over 100 full- and part-time skilled jobs in the Calgary market and support Pet Valu’s future growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba over the next decade.

Now that the Calgary facility is fully operational, Pet Valu plans to scale down and exit its legacy warehouse and third-party distribution space in the Calgary region. 

1.3 million square feet

The Calgary site is the third-largest pet specialty distribution center in Canada, surpassed only by Pet Valu’s own 670,000 sq. ft. Greater Toronto Area distribution center (GTA DC) in Brampton, Ontario, which was opened in 2023. The Canadian pet retailer opened another 350,000 sq. ft. center in Surrey, British Columbia, in 2024. 

“With over 1.3 million sq. ft. of distribution capacity, supported by industry-leading automation and technology, we have successfully built Canada’s strongest supply chain supporting the pet specialty industry,” says Weidel.

Pet Valu highlights the value of this type of distribution center, offering stronger productivity and efficiency, improved customer service levels and accuracy for its franchisees and stores, as well as simplified delivery for suppliers. “As these benefits continue to materialize in real time, we plan to further leverage these investments over the next decade,” concludes Weidel.