Richelieu Hardware Ltd. is investing more than $15 million to expand its distribution centre in Drummondville, Que., quadrupling the facility’s size as the company increases its distribution capacity in the province.
The project will expand the facility from nearly 40,000 square feet to 180,000 square feet and is expected to be completed in time for the expanded centre to become operational in spring 2027.
Richelieu said the expansion is intended to support its growing business and improve its ability to serve customers across Montreal’s South Shore, the Quebec City region and its South Shore, Centre-du-Québec and the Eastern Townships.
“Richelieu has been growing for several decades, and this investment in Drummondville gives us the means to keep building on that momentum. By expanding our distribution centre from 40,000 to 180,000 square feet, we are significantly strengthening our ability to serve our customers while continuing to invest in Quebec,” said Richard Lord, president and chief executive officer of Richelieu.
The project was formally launched Sept. 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony at the company’s site on Alfred-Nobel Street. Drummondville Mayor Jean-François Houle and Gerry Gagnon, general manager of Drummond Économique, attended the ceremony.
“We are proud that a company of Richelieu’s stature has chosen to grow here. This is excellent news for our local economy, the vitality of our business community and the quality jobs this project will create,” said Houle.
Gagnon said the investment comes as companies face economic uncertainty and will contribute to the region’s logistics and transportation sector.
“At a time when many companies remain cautious in the face of current economic challenges, Richelieu is demonstrating remarkable vision by continuing to expand in Drummondville. This investment contributes to the economic diversification of our region and reinforces the presence of a Quebec leader. It also strengthens our strategic logistics and transportation sector while optimizing occupancy in the Saint-Nicéphore industrial park,” said Gagnon.
Construction will be carried out by Guimond Construction and fully funded by Richelieu.
The Drummondville project is part of a broader growth strategy that includes expansion in the United States.
Richelieu recently announced the acquisition of the hardware division of The Penrod Company, a U.S. distributor specializing in hardware and components for residential and commercial doors.
The company said the transaction is expected to add approximately US$70 million in annual sales and strengthen its presence in the U.S. market. Following the acquisition, Richelieu said the number of its distribution centres will rise to 131.
Richelieu is a North American importer, manufacturer and distributor of specialty hardware and complementary products. Its customers include manufacturers of kitchen and bathroom cabinets, storage and closet systems, home furnishings and office furniture, as well as residential and commercial woodworkers, door and window companies and hardware retailers, including renovation superstores.
The company said it offers more than 145,000 products sourced from manufacturers worldwide to more than 120,000 active customers.
Richelieu currently operates 124 centres in North America, including 54 distribution centres in Canada, 66 in the United States and four manufacturing plants in Canada.
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