Michelin’s new warehouse in Cornwall is part of a larger development trend in the city that will help protect it in the face of looming trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., one official says. The 980,000-square-foot warehouse, developed by Montreal-based Broccolini, is within Cornwall’s growing industrial park along Highway 401 and is Michelin’s largest […]
Already a Subscriber? Log in
Get Instant Access to This Article
Become an Ottawa Business Journal Insider and get immediate access to all of our Insider-only content and much more.
Michelin’s new warehouse in Cornwall is part of a larger development trend in the city that will help protect it in the face of looming trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., one official says.
The 980,000-square-foot warehouse, developed by Montreal-based Broccolini, is within Cornwall’s growing industrial park along Highway 401 and is Michelin’s largest distribution centre in Canada, serving as a node for the company’s operations across the country.
“This was a purpose-built facility tailored to Michelin’s needs,” said Toni Wodzicki, Broccolini’s vice-president of acquisitions and development. “It reflects a broader trend of companies looking to secure control over key infrastructure to support their supply chain operations.”
Broccolini built the facility to Michelin’s specific needs. Originally planned as a lease project, Michelin opted to purchase the facility outright upon its completion. The warehouse was designed to accommodate future expansion.
“The facility is state-of-the-art and reflects the kind of innovation and precision required to operate in today’s logistics environment,” Wodzicki said. “From Cornwall, Michelin will be able to efficiently serve markets across Canada.”
In addition to the Michelin project, Broccolini owns 17 acres in the industrial park area. While no specific projects are underway, the company is marketing the land to attract businesses that are considering Cornwall for expansion.
“We are actively seeking interest in the property and expect to deliver another phase in Cornwall soon,” Wodzicki said, stating that the additional space could accommodate up to 350,000 square feet of new warehouse facilities.
Michelin’s move into Cornwall is the latest in a series of investments in the city’s logistics sector. Since 2021, Walmart Canada has operated a 3.7-million-square-foot distribution centre in the city, one of its largest in the country, with robotics and AI systems to improve sorting and delivery speeds.
“These types of facilities don’t just improve supply chains,” said Cornwall’s economic development manager Bob Peters. “They also create jobs and demonstrate the broader economic impact that logistics operations bring to a region.”
Cornwall’s location has made it a key destination for companies in the logistics sector. Situated along Highway 401 and within a few hours of major urban centres such as Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, as well as the U.S. border, Cornwall provides quick access to several markets.
“We’re strategically positioned to act as a supply chain hub for Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes,” Peters said. “Cornwall remains a low-cost location where companies can build faster and at a lower cost compared to other urban centres.”
Walmart’s Cornwall distribution centre employs more than 1,000 people and Michelin’s facility is expected to create dozens of new jobs directly and indirectly. The city’s logistics infrastructure also supports local trucking companies and service providers.
“Facilities like this aren’t just about large corporations,” Peters said. “They also create opportunities for local businesses to support these operations, from transportation to maintenance and beyond.”
Cornwall’s logistics boom has been supported by educational initiatives such as the supply chain management program at St. Lawrence College.
The importance of supply chain resilience has become increasingly apparent in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting vulnerabilities in global logistics networks.
“The pandemic underscored the importance of having a strong supply chain network,” Peters said. “Companies need to ensure they can meet demand and Cornwall’s location and infrastructure make it a critical part of that equation.”
When asked about the potential impact of trade policies, including the possibility of tariffs from the U.S. under the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, Peters acknowledged the challenges.
“While tariffs or increased trade friction could affect some businesses, Cornwall’s strategic location and cost advantages provide a buffer,” he said, emphasizing that companies are increasingly focusing on nearshoring strategies to reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing.
“Even if international trade becomes more complex, the demand for well-located logistics hubs will only grow,” he added. “Cornwall is positioned to adapt to these shifts and continue attracting investment.”
Cornwall’s ability to attract major projects like Michelin’s is partly due to the city’s collaborative approach to business development, said Peters, adding that city staff have streamlined the permitting process and work closely with developers for project delivery.
