MISSISSAUGA – Home furnishings retailer IKEA announced plans today to open a 397,000-square-foot distribution centre at 3275 Argentia Rd. in Mississauga.

Scheduled to be completed in October, the centre is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs. The facility’s staff will fulfill customer orders from the four existing GTA stores and e-commerce purchases, as well as support growth plans for IKEA Canada to meet customers in new and existing markets.

“With store sales increasing along with huge growth in e-commerce, there is an opportunity to be more accessible to the many Canadians through a multi-channel environment,” said IKEA Canada president Stefan Sjöstrand, in today’s announcement. “This will be accomplished by examples such as increased service offers, pick-up points, an improved e-commerce interface and optimized distribution services; all resulting in our customers having easier access to our products.”

Mayor Bonnie Crombie hailed the announcement.

“IKEA joins the hundreds of other world-class businesses that choose to invest, create jobs, and achieve unrivalled success in the City of Mississauga,” she said. “IKEA’s new distribution centre will result in job creating opportunities for residents, generate new economic development opportunities, and strengthen our thriving local economy.”

Jobs will be available in a variety of functions including HR, operations, warehouse management and logistics. Recruitment is scheduled to begin shortly, but will be coordinated in stages to support the development of the unit. Postings will be available on ikea.ca/careers.

IKEA currently has 12 stores across Canada, including one in Etobicoke, just across the Mississauga border, and another in Burlington.