COS takes a behind the scenes look at the YYZ9 Fulfillment Centre in Toronto
A First-Hand Look at Amazon's YYZ9 Fulfillment Centre:
My visit to Amazon's YYZ9 Fulfillment Centre at 6351 Steeles Avenue East in Toronto offered an eye-opening glimpse into the company's operations. Guided by senior Amazon officials, I witnessed firsthand the intricate dance of safety, efficiency, and sustainability that defines this massive warehouse which is more than one million square feet. Amazon says it has invested $750 million in 2024 in technologies, resources, training, and programs to enhance its safety efforts. This tour made it abundantly clear the money is being deployed and utilized to great effect, at least at this facility.
(Komal Patel, senior operations manager and Navin Homenauth, senior safety manager at Amazon’s YYZ9 Fulfillment Centre in Toronto on July 25, 2024)
Focus on safety
"Safety is our number one priority," began Navin Homenauth, senior safety manager at Amazon, as we started the tour with a comprehensive safety briefing. Homenauth’s passion for his role was palpable as he detailed the critical importance of maintaining an eight-foot distance from Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs) and a twenty-foot distance from elevated machinery. "It's critical to stay mindful of these safety zones to prevent any accidents," he added, reinforcing the stringent safety measures in place.
As we walked through the Green Mile, a designated safe zone free from PITs, Homenauth explained the emergency procedures, including evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols. It was clear that Amazon is not just prepared for routine operations but also for any unexpected incidents.
(The Green Mile is a designated walking area free from motorized traffic)
Operational excellence
Next, Komal Patel, senior operations manager at Amazon, took over, leading us through the facility's bustling operations. "Our inbound and outbound processes are designed for maximum efficiency," Patel explained. Watching the seamless flow of items being received, stored, picked, and shipped was like observing a well-rehearsed performance. Each step, from the meticulous sorting to the precise packing, demonstrated Amazon's commitment to quick and accurate order fulfillment. But at the same time, nobody looked rushed or frantic. Workers moved slowly and gingerly, no matter what task they were performing.
One of the standout moments was learning about Amazon's innovative packaging solutions aimed at reducing waste. Patel pointed out, "We prioritize sustainability by minimizing packaging materials. For instance, Pampers are shipped without additional packaging, which significantly cuts down on waste."
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of YYZ9's operations. Patel proudly noted, "We use recyclable packaging materials, such as paper padded mailers, to reduce our environmental footprint." The facility's commitment to sustainability extends to donating returned items and excess inventory to local community organizations. "We've donated over $350,000 worth of items to charities in the Scarborough area," Homenauth mentioned, highlighting Amazon's efforts to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Ergonomics and well-being
Amazon's attention to ergonomics and associate well-being became evident as we moved through the facility. "We have on-site kinesiologists and injury prevention specialists who focus on ergonomic initiatives," Homenauth shared. I observed associates engaging in pre-shift stretching routines, a mandatory practice designed to prevent injuries. "These stretches are crucial in keeping our team healthy," Patel added.
The emphasis on pushing rather than pulling items to reduce strain and prevent injuries highlighted Amazon's proactive approach to workplace safety.
Commitment to workers
A significant part of Amazon's success lies in its investment in employee training and development. Patel elaborated, "Cross-training is essential to keep our associates engaged and prevent repetitive strain injuries. Each associate is trained in multiple tasks, which not only enhances their skills but also keeps the work interesting."
Amazon's dedication to inclusivity was evident as Patel introduced me to various affinity groups within the facility. "We celebrate diversity with groups like Women at Amazon, Latinos at Amazon, and many others," she shared. These groups provide a supportive community for associates, fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
Leader in North America
YYZ9 is a non-sortable fulfillment centre, meaning it handles larger items that cannot be processed in Amazon’s sortable facilities. This site is not only a leader in Canada but also sets the standard for Amazon facilities across North America. "Our focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability has mde YYZ9 a leading facility not just in Canada, but worldwide," Homenauth explained. Patel added, "we've pioneered several best practices here that are being adopted by other Amazon facilities across the continent, showcasing our role as a model site."
(One of several safety reporting stations located within the YYZ9 Fullfillment Centre)
These are workers who are proud of what they have accomplished. They’re eager to share their knowledge and processes, while remaining committed to continuous improvement. Canadian Occupational Safety will share more about specific facets of this operation over the next couple of weeks, including the PIT internal traffic system, and the innovative use of lift vacuums.
Stay tuned for the next installment of Inside Amazon.
