Buoyed by a contract with the consortium constructing the city’s light-rail line, a transportation and warehousing firm is consolidating is local presence by dramatically increasing its square footage at its central Ottawa location.
Wills Transfer is expanding in its current location on Swansea Crescent, near the Highway 417 / Hunt Club Road interchange, growing from 55,000 square feet to 175,000 square feet, company officials say.
“We’ve had enough projects and business over the course of the last couple of years that … the timing has now become relevant for us to go ahead,” said Colin Goodfellow, who works in business development.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
Progress can create unlikely allies
There was a time when mining exploration and the environment were like oil and water. Several years ago, I attended social impact investing conferences in America and the U.K. with
Investing in the next generation: Ottawa businesses encouraged to build futures through mentorship
Do you remember the mentor in your life who helped shape your career? In the business world, success often depends on the connections we build, fuelled by guidance and support
The fourth-generation family business is headquartered in Smiths Falls and has 150 employees, including 20 in Ottawa. Wills Transfer also has locations in Brockville and Perth.
In addition to the Rideau Transit Group, which is building the first stage of Ottawa’s light-rail line, Wills Transfer counts the federal government and several local manufacturers and distributors among its 70 customers.
The expanded warehouse will help the company centralize its local operations, handle larger shipments and beef up security.
“This added (protection) is something customers might not find anywhere else in the city. It will also give us a competitive advantage to provide that safety to customers,” said Grant Paynter, manager of Wills Transfer’s distribution centre.
