UPS expands its network with opening of first-ever facility in Halifax

Grand Opening Marks Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Atlantic Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - One hundred and five years ago to this day, UPS (NYSE:UPS) opened its doors for business on a small street in Seattle, Washington. Growing from a two-person operation delivering packages on bicycles, UPS now serves 220 countries and territories worldwide with the hard work of more than 400,000 employees. Today, its 105^th birthday,  UPS celebrates yet another expansion as it officially opens the doors to its 50,000 square foot logistics facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The opening - a key part of UPS's Atlantic Canada expansion strategy across eight cities this year - will bring industry leading service enhancements and end-to-end logistics solutions for customers.

The decision to open the facility in Halifax was made with the knowledge that the area is considered to be a key access point to other major supply chain networks both locally and globally.

"Today's grand opening builds upon the commitment UPS has shown to the Canadian market with a strategic focus on Halifax and Atlantic Canada, which is beneficial for all stakeholders involved," said Kings North MLA Jim Morton, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "UPS's multi-million dollar investment in our region will create more than 250 new UPS jobs."

UPS also recently introduced another important service enhancement for the region, adding air capacity that will allow local businesses to accelerate the flow of goods to customers. The enhancements will help customers optimize their internal processes, help manage customer satisfaction and existing UPS customers will see a one-day improvement getting their products to market.

"Today's grand opening celebrates our expansion into Atlantic Canada and reinforces our commitment to the businesses and communities in Halifax," said Mike Tierney, president, UPS Canada. "The introduction of this facility, the reliable UPS brand and industry leading service enhancements now provide customers in Halifax with access to our vast global network, allowing them to focus on their business while we do what we do best, provide expert logistical solutions."

UPS began the expansion of its global network into Canada in 1975. Over the past 37 years, that network has grown to include a delivery fleet of 2,500 vehicles, almost 10,000 employees and more than 85 daily airline flight segments. Another 1,900 employees provide logistics and distribution, freight forwarding and customs brokerage services to Canadian customers. The investment in Halifax is part of a larger strategic expansion plan that has recently included the development of a new facility in Calgary, Alberta, and two facilities in Ontario, an expanded hub in Toronto, as well as a leading healthcare hub in Burlington.

To help celebrate the opening, UPS welcomes the public to attend a community barbeque at Sackville Landing on Wednesday, August 29.  All proceeds will be donated to the United Way.

About UPS Canada
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

Image with caption: "Customers, media and government officials shared in the grand opening celebration today at the UPS facility in Halifax, with a performance by local Halifax talent SQUID and welcoming remarks by UPS Canada President Mike Tierney, Ministerial Assistant to the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, Jim Morton and Mayor Peter Kelly. (CNW Group/UPS Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120828_C9435_PHOTO_EN_17288.jpg

SOURCE: UPS Canada Ltd.