Printful plans to open a 2,900-square-metre facility in Mississauga, Ontario, with production expected to start by the end of 2020. This is the on-demand fulfillment company’s first facility in Canada and seventh worldwide. Its initial investment will be $2.8 million (CAD) and the company is planning to grow its Canadian team to 50 people in their first three years of operation. The supplier will start by fulfilling Direct-To-Garment (DTG) and embroidered hats and apparel. The Printful product offerings in Canada will then develop over time. Printful is also currently looking to hire an operations manager to help launch and lead the new facility.
The company is one of the largest custom on-demand printing and warehousing companies in the world, having fulfilled over 19 million items since its launch in 2013. Shipped products include clothing, accessories and home & living items for online businesses. Printful currently employs over 800 people across six fulfillment centers in California, North Carolina, Spain, Latvia and Mexico.
With Canada being Printful’s second-largest market after the U.S., the company said that it wants to improve logistics and the overall experience for Canadian store owners and their customers. It’s estimated that the new facility will cut average shipping time from 9 days to 2 days in Ontario, and to 4 days in most other provinces. Another benefit, said the company, is that domestic orders will not have to go through customs or be charged import duties.
“We’re continuing to expand internationally and grow our competitive advantage. We already have a large customer base in Canada, and with domestic fulfillment, we see the potential to establish ourselves as a key player,” said Printful CEO Davis Siksnans. Printful worked closely with Invest in Canada and Toronto Global to help find a fulfillment location and expand their business into Canada.
“With one of the most highly skilled and diverse workforces in the world, Mississauga is a top destination for business and talent,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Printful’s investment is a testament to Mississauga’s strong position on the innovation corridor and the attractiveness of our city to international companies. I’m delighted to welcome Printful to Mississauga’s growing and innovative business community!”
