UFA is laying the foundation, quite literally, for the future of its supply chain. Our co-operative has officially broken ground on a brand-new Distribution Centre (DC) just south of Edmonton near Leduc, and it's more than just a construction project. It's a bold step forward in how we serve our members and customers across Alberta and beyond.
The purpose-built facility will span 200,000 square feet and include 17 acres of yard space, offering a major upgrade from our current DC. With a larger footprint and higher ceilings, the new centre will significantly boost our storage capacity and operational efficiency. It's designed to grow with us, and with the needs of our co-operative.
"A resilient supply chain is the backbone of any successful business, especially in agriculture," says Denys Vuch, UFA's Chief Financial Officer. "This new Distribution Centre is more than just a building, it's a strategic investment in our ability to serve our members and customers efficiently, reliably, and with the flexibility needed to grow alongside them."
The new DC will allow us to centralize storage and distribution and streamline operations. It also means a more modern and productive workspace for our team, something we're proud to offer.
We're working closely with Hopewell Development, our trusted partner on this project. Their expertise has helped shape the design and layout of the site to best support UFA's operations.
"Hopewell is pleased to have been selected as the Development and Construction Manager for UFA on this new distribution facility project in Leduc County," said Derek Fox, Vice President of Construction for Hopewell Development. "Our teams worked collaboratively during the negotiations and design to best layout the site, identifying the most functional flow for UFA's operations both inside and outside the building."
Fox added, "It's a pleasure to work with a team that is enhancing its ability to serve its customers and communities better, and having all the key stakeholders around the table early allowed us to succeed and meet our milestone deadlines. We look forward to executing and delivering on our promises to UFA, with completion anticipated in fall 2026."
The project has also caught the attention of provincial leaders.
The significance of this project extends beyond UFA's operations. "UFA's investment is showcasing once again that Alberta is the best place to do business, highlighting our low-tax regime with a drive to create more jobs and attract investment like this," said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. "For nearly one and a half centuries, farming and agriculture has been a core part of our legacy, dating even further back than Alberta's creation in 1905. It is truly remarkable that it remains today a core driver of our economy, as proven by today's investment."
"As we break ground, we're not just starting construction, it represents our shared commitment to building a stronger future for our customers, communities, and the industries we serve. We're grateful to Hopewell Development for their partnership and to the Leduc community for supporting this important project," adds Vuch.
Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses. We're excited to share this journey with you.
