Ford Motor Company has announced the second of its two new distribution centres in Ontario will be located in a newly constructed facility in Paris, just northwest of Brantford.
The structure is on a 30-acre parcel of land that Vicano owns facing Highway 403.
Vicano Developments Ltd. negotiated a deal with Ford to construct and lease the distribution centre. Vicano competed against multiple submissions from other builders in southwestern Ontario. The proximity of the land to Highway 403, speed of delivering the building and strong labour pool were all positive factors in the successful proposal.
The distribution centre will have many green and energy-efficient features, including a roof with a white PVC membrane that reflects the sun’s rays rather than absorbing energy into the structure. The membrane releases the energy that is absorbed and maintains a lower roof temperature than traditional roofs.
LED lighting, which uses much less energy than incandescent bulbs, is also used, along with enhanced insulation for the roof and walls. There are proximity detectors on all lighting so they are off when there is no movement. Electric vehicle charging stations are also being added in the parking area for employees.
Work at the site began May 2021 and the building was completed in October 2022.
Brant County Mayor David Bailey says the region hopes to attract more tenants like Ford to come to the area.
