Fred Fox, owner of LeMans Corp., started Parts Canada in Calgary, AB in 1999, and then rebranded again to Parts Canada – Drag Specialties in 2001. In 2002, Parts Canada HQ and the western distribution centre was established in Calgary, AB and in 2008 the warehouse currently operating in London, ON was officially opened. Since then, Parts Canada has grown leaps and bounds and are very proud and excited to announce their latest move, and the official opening of a new western distribution centre in Calgary, Alberta.
The warehouse in London has a footprint of 170,000 sq ft of usable space, and 25 loading docks. The previous warehouse in Calgary had 75k sq ft with only 9 docks. The new warehouse in Calgary now offers over 190,000 square feet of usable space, with 27 loading docks. With now having over 360k sq ft of space available for shipping, receiving and inventory stocking that is serviced by 52 loading docks, it makes it possible to serve Canadian dealers in a way no other Canadian distributor can. And with increased docks in Calgary offering more outbound service, it supports the western regions with quicker turn-around times and offers better solutions for next-day regional service.
Parts Canada previously managed approximately 70% of its inventory in London, but with the new facility in operation it will split the inventory evenly, with 40% more sku’s now shipping out of Calgary than before. The move also means that Parts Canada can carry even more brands and parts than the record amount boasted today and expand into other industry segments such as bicycling. More brands, more parts, and more inventory, creates more opportunity and stronger fill rates, benefitting all of Parts Canada’s dealers as well as the consumers they sell to.
The new warehouse in Calgary will be largely automated, like the current London warehouse. Picking by region and using automated
pack-sized boxing machines reduces packaging waste and costs, as well as reduced freight costs. These savings are also passed down
to the customer. Calgary will also implement new automation with state-of-the-art robotic skid movers and pack-to-box picking
technology, which eliminates one step of the shipping process. Again, benefiting customers with lower costs and quicker turn-around
times from order to ship.
Parts Canada is dedicating the next 12 months to further development of automation and state-of-the-art technology and is currently
employing more people to facilitate their continued growth. This expansion is just the beginning of the many great things to come to
serve our valued customers and the powersports industry even better.
Parts Canada is owned by LeMans Corp., the global leader in distribution for the powersports industry, and are proud to be in the
company of Parts Unlimited, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties as well as other brands who are all part of the grand vision of their
founder, Fred Fox.
Source: Parts Canada
