Amazon has launched its largest facility in British Columbia to date, a massive 825,000 sq. ft. building in Pitt Meadows. This new site significantly boosts Amazon’s operational capacity in the province, promising faster deliveries for customers and creating new jobs. This isn’t just another warehouse; it represents a strategic shift in Amazon’s B.C. logistics network.
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Key Takeaways:
- Amazon’s new YXX1 facility in Pitt Meadows is its largest in B.C. at 825,000 sq. ft.
- It’s the province’s first “Storage and Distribution Centre,” acting as a central hub for inventory.
- This facility will supply smaller “Customer Fulfillment Centres,” improving overall delivery speed and efficiency.
- The opening creates over 100 local jobs initially, adding to Amazon’s substantial B.C. workforce.
Understanding Amazon’s New Mega-Warehouse
Located on a 48-acre site at 19300 Airport Way in Pitt Meadows, near the Fraser River and adjacent to the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, the facility is known internally as YXX1. This designation follows Amazon’s standard system, often linked to nearby airport codes (YXX for Abbotsford International Airport).
At 825,000 sq. ft., YXX1 dwarfs Amazon’s existing facilities in the region. It is over 40% larger than the next biggest in Metro Vancouver, YVR3 in New Westminster. To put its size in perspective, it’s 77% larger than the usable exhibition and meeting space of the Vancouver Convention Centre.
A Shift in Logistics Strategy
Unlike Amazon’s traditional “Customer Fulfillment Centres” (CFCs), which process orders directly for customers, YXX1 is classified as a “Storage and Distribution Centre.” This is the first of its kind in British Columbia.
This new type of facility sits higher up the supply chain. It’s designed primarily for storing large quantities and a wide variety of inventory. From YXX1, goods are then distributed to CFCs like YVR3. This structure allows Amazon to keep more products closer to customers across the province, potentially reducing the reliance on longer-distance shipping and making the entire network more efficient.
Exterior view of the vast Amazon YXX1 Storage and Distribution Centre building in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia.
“As Amazon’s first storage and distribution centre in British Columbia, YXX1 marks an important milestone for our business,” stated Sureshkumar Aruchamy, Regional Director of Operations at Amazon. He added that the facility’s Lower Mainland location significantly enhances Amazon’s ability to deliver to local customers faster than ever before.
Economic and Community Impact
The YXX1 facility begins operations with over 100 employees, contributing to Amazon’s total B.C. workforce of over 10,000 full- and part-time employees across various roles, including warehouse staff, tech hub positions, and corporate office workers.
The development of YXX1 also represents an investment in the local economy through construction and supply chain engagement. Jeremaya Woytowich, Operations Manager for general contractor Graham Construction, highlighted that the project engaged local businesses, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald welcomed Amazon’s expansion, noting its contribution to job creation and economic opportunities in the region. She also praised Amazon’s community support, including a $35,000 contribution to fund new bike repair stations in the city, promoting sustainable transportation.
Location and the Broader Network
YXX1 is part of the 200-acre Golden Ears Business Park developed by Onni Group, which features over three million sq. ft. of industrial space. YXX1 is the single largest building within this park.
It’s also Amazon’s second facility in the immediate vicinity. Just 300 metres north is the DVC4 Amazon Delivery Station at 19265 Airport Way, which opened in 2021. While YXX1 is at the beginning of the logistics chain (storing and distributing), DVC4 is near the end. Packages move from fulfillment centers (potentially supplied by YXX1) to sortation centres, then to delivery stations like DVC4 for final sorting and “last mile” delivery to customers’ doorsteps. You can learn more about the opening of the DVC4 delivery facility here.
Aerial view showing the larger Amazon YXX1 Storage and Distribution Centre (bottom) next to the smaller DVC4 Delivery Station (top) within the Golden Ears Business Park in Pitt Meadows.
This new centre joins a growing network of Amazon logistics facilities across British Columbia. In addition to YXX1, Amazon operates four customer fulfillment centres (South Richmond, Annacis Island in Delta, New Westminster, and Tsawwassen), a sorting facility in Langley City, a large/bulky package station in Langley Township, and six regular delivery stations throughout Burnaby, North Delta, Surrey, and Pitt Meadows. Most of these have opened in the last five years, indicating rapid expansion of Amazon’s footprint in the region.
Amazon continues to explore expansion possibilities. In 2022, it was reported that Amazon acquired a 12.5-acre property in South Vancouver, though plans for the site have not yet been confirmed. Read more about the South Vancouver property acquisition.
Investing in Employees and Safety
Beyond infrastructure, Amazon emphasizes its commitment to its workforce. The company promotes career growth through programs like Career Choice, which funds tuition for employees pursuing new skills. They also offer comprehensive benefits packages and group RRSP plans. Over 8,000 frontline employees in Canada have reportedly used the Career Choice program.
Workplace safety is highlighted as a top priority. Amazon states it has invested billions globally since 2019 in safety initiatives, with plans for further spending this year on training, technology, and safety programs.
What This Means
The launch of the YXX1 Storage and Distribution Centre is a significant development for Amazon’s operational capabilities in British Columbia. By establishing a large-scale upstream inventory hub, Amazon is strategically positioning itself to optimize its logistics flow, potentially leading to faster and more reliable deliveries for customers across the province. The investment also brings new jobs and economic activity to the Pitt Meadows area and strengthens Amazon’s overall presence in the competitive Canadian e-commerce market.
This move signals Amazon’s continued commitment to building out its physical infrastructure to meet growing demand and underscores the increasing importance of efficient supply chains in the digital retail landscape.
For further details on Amazon’s expanding network and local developments, explore the related articles linked throughout this piece.
