UPS opened its multi-million dollar, 50,000 square foot, logistics facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, creating an estimated 250 jobs.

The firm called the expansion a key part of UPS's Atlantic Canada expansion strategy designed to bring industry leading service enhancements and end-to-end logistics solutions for customers.

Mike Tierney, president, UPS Canada, said the "grand opening celebrates our expansion into Atlantic Canada and reinforces our commitment to the businesses and communities in Halifax."

"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." he added.

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, a UPS spokesman said. The Halifax investment is part of a larger strategic expansion plan that recently included development of a new facility in Calgary, Alberta, and two facilities in Ontario, and an expanded hub in Toronto.

This "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 Member of the Legislative Assembly 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 said it 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.

UPS expanded into Canada in 1975. Over the past 37 years, that network has grown to include a delivery fleet of 2,500 vehicles, and almost 10,000 employees. Another 1,900 employees provide logistics and distribution, freight forwarding and customs brokerage services to Canadian customers.