Ocado has opened its first automated warehouse in North America as the online grocer-cum-technology provider presses ahead with progress on its overseas partnerships.
The etailer’s latest customer fulfilment centre, constructed for Canadian grocery giant Sobeys in Vaughan, Ontario, will begin taking test orders today.
Once fully operational, the site will deliver to customers of Voilà – the ecommerce site operated by Sobeys – across the Greater Toronto area.
The state-of-the-art warehouse is Ocado’s second international location to go live since the beginning of March as it ramps up its international tech licensing strategy.
Ocado has signed a string of deals with third-party retailers across the globe during the past two years, including US titan Kroger, Japanese operator Aeon and Casino in France.
The tie-ups are building at a time when online grocery demand is spiking amid the coronavirus crisis, with shoppers across the globe in lockdown.
Ocado Solutions boss Luke Jensen described the opening as “a milestone moment” for the business.
He said: “Within almost a month, we have brought two international CFCs live and on time with partners in Canada and France. These are testament to the amazing working partnerships we have developed, particularly under recent challenging circumstances with Covid-19.
“Of course, the current implications for the whole grocery retail sector of adapting to new and unprecedented demand also throw these launches into sharp relief.”
Sarah Joyce, senior vice-president of ecommerce at Sobeys owner Empire, added: “As Ocado’s exclusive Canadian partner, our robotic automated warehouses will set us apart with a higher-quality service experience for Canadians.
“Online grocery home delivery is an essential service – one that’s needed now more than ever before. We are thrilled to bring Voilà by Sobeys to the GTA and do our part to help Canadians in this challenging time.”
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