Brimich Logistics Inc. proudly announces its second consecutive year of achieving a perfect 100% SQF audit score at our Martin Grove facility in the GTA.

Amidst the modern consumer landscape, the Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification stands out as a beacon of excellence when handling food products. Dedication to high standards and outstanding SQF walk-through scores signals a commitment to uncompromising food quality and safety in Brimich facilities.

Brimich has a dedicated SQF Select warehouse and is one of the first in North America to receive this certification. The Food Safety team is currently working toward this accreditation in all our Brimich facilities.

The entire team at Brimich has a shared commitment toward excellence and continuous improvement. Success in audits and scores belongs to each Brimich team member, with the Food Safety team having a heavy hand in providing SOP’s, improvements and data to all internal teams, helping us to keep high food safety standards in our day-to-day operations. Let’s take a moment to introduce the Brimich Food Safety team:

Rick Watson – Vice President : Food Safety and Compliance
Pooja Patel – Food Safety and QA Manager
Patrice Campbell – SQF Practitioner
Brenda Mathers – NCR Coordinator
Natalie Hopkins – NCR/QA Coordinator
Kennedy Amore –  Food Safety/QA Summer Student

The Significance of SQF at Brimich Logistics Inc.

In 2017, Brimich made a strategic shift towards specializing in food, food ingredients and food packaging across its operations. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the company’s direction, aligning business focuses and partnerships with critical sectors of the supply chain – stringent food quality and safety standards.

By 2018, Brimich achieved a significant milestone – the success of an SQF Certification at one of its many facilities, specifically at Abbott Court, a 100,000 square foot warehouse in Brantford, ON.

Since then, Brimich has made impressive strides in enhancing its operational capabilities and expanding its footprint in the Food Logistics industry. As of today, Brimich proudly holds four SQF programs across six certified locations, encompassing a staggering 1.4 million square feet of multi-temperature warehousing space in the GTA and Brantford.Brimich’s Kramer’s Way campus in Brantford is notably an SQF standout, spanning 540,000 square feet and offering itself as one of North America’s first SQF Select sites. This designation imposes strict requirements, mandating a constant and continuous state of audit readiness. This proactive approach not only reflects Brimich’s dedication to operational excellence, but also reinforces its reputation as a leader in the food logistics sector.

Further validating a commitment to excellent safety standards, the Martin Grove facility in Toronto, covering 370,000 square feet, recently achieved a remarkable milestone: a second consecutive year of receiving a 100% SQF Audit score during its re-certification audit. This performance underscores the robust quality management practices and unwavering adherence to strict food safety protocols and standards.

These achievements highlight Brimich’s evolution into being a trusted partner in the food industries supply chain. By continually investing in creating and maintaining impeccable standards, Brimich not only meets but exceeds strict requirements and standards demanded by today’s consumers and suppliers.

What is an SQF Certification and Why Does It Matter?

The SQF Certification is a rigorous and internationally recognized food safety management system that ensures product meets the highest standards for safety and quality throughout the entire supply chain.

Developed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), this certification provides a systematic approach to managing food safety risks, beginning at raw commodities through final distribution and covering all facets in between.

SQF is something that we are very prideful of at Brimich, but SQF is so much more than just a badge of honour. It’s a highly strategic investment in reputation and trust.
Here’s why:
Consumer Confidence: In an age where food safety scares can spread quickly and across vast markets, consumers are increasingly wary of the source of their food. SQF assures consumers that product meets high and stringent safety and quality standards. This creates a circle of trust and confidence between consumers and businesses.

Market Access: With globalization comes increased competition and regulatory scrutiny. Many retailers and food providers require this certification to ensure the safety and quality of the products being handled. By obtaining the SQF certification you are able to open doors to new markets and business opportunities

Risk Mitigation: The consequences of a food safety incident can be devastating in many ways. In terms of human health and financial repercussions, SQF is a sure safeguard. It helps mitigate risks by implementing robust management systems that identify, prevent and address potential hazards before they escalate.

Continuous Improvement: The SQF certification process is not a one-time achievement; it’s a commitment to ongoing improvement and excellence. By adhering to SQF standards, companies are continuously evaluating and enhancing their processes. This drives efficiency and ensures high levels of safety and quality.

Human Health and End Consumer Safety: SQF certification plays a crucial role in safeguarding human health by ensuring safety and quality standards. Overall, it helps consumers and partners along the supply-chain enhance regulatory compliance, reduce waste, improve consumer trust, and reduce risk of contaminants, which promotes the overall efficiency and safety of food in the food supply chain

In today’s interconnected world, the need for stringent food safety standards has never been more critical. SQF certifications meet these demands but furthermore, it exceeds them, setting a benchmark for excellence in the food industry.

At Brimich, we recognize the importance of this certification. We have made it our mission to attain and maintain SQF certifications among all our facilities because this is a direct representation of the pride we put into our work, standards and safety at Brimich.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished and feel privileged to have been a part of creating and implementing the SQF programs at Brimich Logistics Inc. Great job team!” Rick Watson – Vice President, Food Safety and Compliance

In the realm of modern logistics, this promising solution is gaining traction worldwide. Here in North America at our Brimich Logistics Inc. facilities, this innovative approach is being implemented. As one of the first facilities in North America to adopt this system, we are proud to say it has helped to align with the growing emphasis on sustainability in our supply chain practices.

Industry Snapshot

From perishable foods to life-saving pharmaceuticals, maintaining precise temperature control throughout the supply chain is not just a preference; it’s a necessity. There are two dominating factors causing food waste in the Logistics and Supply Chain industry:

1. A lack of high-quality reliable Cold Storage temperature control
2. Inefficient handovers causing unforeseen breaks within the supply chain.

Brimich Logistics Inc. is dedicated to offering dynamic customizable solutions for clients, so that we can each strive in this area.

Brimich Logistics Inc.

Among early adopters of these CO2 systems is Brimich. Our very first Cold Storage CO2 facility was opened at 470 Hardy Road in Brantford Ontario in 2021. This adaptive strategy has become one of the most crucial value-added services for clients’ dynamic and ever-changing needs. To date, a portfolio of core high-profile clients are uniquely serviced at our 130,000 square foot CO2 Cold Storage facility in the Oak Park industrial area in Brantford, Ontario.

This initiative has lasting impacts on the client’s bottom line, efficiency within the Cold Storage supply chain and environmental benefits. Ultimately this service offering directly improves company bottom-lines and the quality of product the end consumer receives. Proper temperature control is vital for keeping frozen foods fresh as approximately 13% of all globally produced food is lost each year due to poor supply chain processes.

At Brimich, we strive to continuously adapt to this dynamic and vast industry. Our goal is to remain impactful and innovative in an industry where the end-consumer expectations of quality, time and offerings is ever-changing and deeply dynamic. Our passion is to focus on solutions that increase the durability of the supply chain processes our clients experience, while standing with integrity throughout the entire process.

Market Size: A Growing Giant

The Cold Chain Logistics market has been on a steady rise, propelled by the increasing demand for perishable goods worldwide. According to recent studies, the global Cold Chain market size was estimated to be over $200 billion in 2021 and is projected to continue its upward trajectory.

By 2030 the market is expected to be valued at $782.27 billion. Factors such as globalization, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences contribute to this expansion.

The Crucial Role of CO2 Cold Chain Storage

Within the realm of Cold Chain Logistics, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant has re-emerged as a key player, revolutionizing the way perishable goods are stored and transported. Unlike traditional refrigerants such as Freon, CO2 offers several environmental and operational advantages. Its non-toxic and non-flammable nature makes it safer for both workers and the environment.

The importance of CO2 Cold Chain Storage extends beyond its environmental benefits. Its high cooling capacity and efficiency ensure precise temperature control, critical for preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods.

Moreover, CO2-based refrigeration systems are increasingly recognized for their reliability and cost-effectiveness. As businesses strive to optimize their operations and reduce operational costs, CO2 Cold Chain solutions offer a compelling proposition – combining performance with sustainability.

Using CO2 as a refrigerant is like recycling or delaying emissions. This is because CO2 is an industrial by-product emitted from factories. By using CO2 resources captured from this process, CO2 gas mimics environmental recycling processes.

Leading Regions in the Industry

While the demand for Cold Chain Logistics is ubiquitous, certain regions have emerged as leaders in driving innovation and adoption within the industry:

• North America: With a well-established infrastructure and stringent regulatory standards, North America boasts a mature Cold Chain Logistics market. The region’s advanced technology adoption and emphasis on food safety have propelled the growth of Cold Chain solutions, including CO2-based refrigeration systems.
• Europe: Europe stands at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, driving the adoption of eco-friendly Cold Chain practices. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands are renowned for their advanced logistics infrastructure and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. CO2 refrigeration technologies are gaining traction across Europe, supported by government incentives and regulations promoting environmental sustainability.
• Asia-Pacific: Rapid urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles in Asia-Pacific have fueled the demand for Cold Chain Logistics, particularly in emerging markets like China and India. As these economies continue to grow, the need for efficient and sustainable Cold Chain solutions becomes more pronounced. CO2 refrigeration systems offer a promising solution to meet this demand while addressing environmental concerns.

A Promise From Us

Not all logistics problems have the same solutions, which is why we work alongside clients to build a unique customized solution. With Brimich, all your CO2 Cold Chain needs will be met with a reliable representative who can combine local presence and global reach. We strive to bring simplicity and predictability, while also reducing risk and administrative workloads on your business.

We create solutions that are governed by a strong commitment to helping your supply chain performance and efforts towards carbon neutrality!

The logistics and warehousing industry play a pivotal role in global commerce. At Brimich Logistics Inc., we are committed to ethically and safely facilitating the movement and storage of goods that are essential for countless businesses and consumers worldwide.

Amidst the fast pace of supply chain operations, it can be easy to attempt to move faster and potentially overlook the inherent risks associated in the working environment. From heavy machinery and equipment to potentially hazardous material – the logistics and warehousing sector presents unique challenges. At Brimich, meticulous attention to detail and continuously reinforcing safety protocols is a daily standard and expectation.

Brimich Health and Safety Commitment

Days without lost time achievements at two facilities: 2542 days and 2206 days (as of April 17, 2024)

In the warehousing industry, achieving consecutive days without lost time is a statement made with pride. A standard of excellence helps to underscore the foundational importance of prioritizing health and safety internally.

We continuously emphasize a robust commitment to health and safety on a high level, down to the smallest everyday tasks. We help to ensure this standard by implementing:

• Daily pre-shift safety meetings
• Strict retraining protocols
• Focusing on standardized training programs
• Continuous training and re-training commitments during employment
• Dedication to housekeeping and cleanliness – A standard practice and demeanor is expected on site across all job levels
• A constant awareness of cleanliness and proactively ensuring no items are on the ground or in undesignated areas
• Pallets and contents are always tidy
• Quarantine zones provided for items and palettes that are not up to our internal standards

2542 and 2206 days without lost time speaks volumes about the meticulous attention to detail from our committed staff and the standards of training and excellence ingrained within our company’s ethos.

Each day without lost time incidents reflects the embedded culture of safety from the ground up, that is adhered to daily. This achievement highlights the dedication to safeguarding the well-being of our internal workforce and helps set a benchmark for our industry peers.

As emphasized, a robust commitment to health and safety begins with standards, practices, and our daily demeanor.

A message from Michelle Amore – Director of Health and Safety

“Safety is our most basic everyday task. Our goal is to send our team members home the same as they arrived at work. If we look out for each other and keep safety as the number one goal in every task, we can be successful in creating a safety-first mindset in everything we do.”

“Safety is our most basic everyday task”

The Importance of Health and Safety Commitments in Logistics and Warehousing

Ensuring the well-being of workers in this industry protects liabilities, lives and is a morally obligated standard. At Brimich, we see this as a strategic imperative and believe all industry forerunners should commit to ensuring the serious undertone of these practices. Here’s why:

1. Protecting Human Capital: Employees are the backbone of any organization. By implementing robust measures, businesses can safeguard their most valuable asset – its workforce.
2. Mitigating Risks: Logistics and Warehousing is inherently dynamic, with numerous moving parts and potential hazards. Implementing comprehensive safety protocols helps reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
3. Enhancing Efficiency: A safe work environment is also about optimizing operational efficiencies. By streamlining processes, minimizing downtime due to accidents and injuries, and ensuring proper functioning of equipment, businesses can enhance productivity and maximize output.
4. Compliance and Reputation: Failure to adhere to high standards can result in legal repercussions, financial penalties, and reputation damage. Demonstrating a commitment to health and safety ensures regulatory compliance while also enhancing brand reputation and credibility.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: This is an essential business stance for long-term sustainability. Prioritizing health and safety fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This translates to enabling businesses to adapt to changing circumstances quickly, mitigates risks effectively and allows teams and brands to thrive in the face of adversity.

As we observe World Day for Safety and Health at Work, let’s collectively reaffirm our commitment to creating safer, healthier workplaces within the logistics and warehousing sector. On April 28^th we celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work in conjunction with National Day of Mourning. On this day, we will remember and honor those who have suffered from work-related tragedies within Canada.

On this #DayofMourning, we can collectively renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace and acknowledge the pride and recognition toward Brimich operational staff, for helping us operate for over 2500 days without lost time.

Each day, we work to protect our most valuable asset – our people – while helping to drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance and sustainable business growth. Our health and safety commitments are displayed this week, and every single day. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are building a safer, healthier future for all!