Chilliwack has been selected as the location for Red Bull's latest significant expansion in North America, with plans to build a state-of-the-art facility within the Chilliwack Food and Beverage Processing Park (CFBPP). This marks a major milestone for both the community and Red Bull, as it will be the energy drink giant's second premix ingredient facility in the world, the first outside of Austria.

Strategic Selection and Investment

After nearly a year of extensive site-selection across Canada, Red Bull, in collaboration with the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) and the City of Chilliwack, finalized the purchase of a 15-acre site on Brannick Place. The decision to invest in Chilliwack was influenced by the city's accessible road and rail transportation network, proximity to the Port of Vancouver, the Sumas-Huntingdon border crossing, and a reputation for being business-friendly. Additionally, Chilliwack's skilled workforce and high quality of life in a scenic setting aligned well with Red Bull's brand values.

“This investment by Red Bull is a significant endorsement of Chilliwack as a prime location for industrial growth,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “We are excited to welcome Red Bull to our community and look forward to the opportunities this facility will bring.”

Facility Details and Development Plans

The upcoming facility will cover approximately 185,000 square feet and will focus on the preparation of high-quality dry ingredients for Red Bull's energy drinks, a crucial component currently produced exclusively in Austria. Notably, this Chilliwack facility will not require large volumes of water, as the actual mixing of ingredients and canning will occur in the United States, where Red Bull has seen substantial growth.

To accommodate the advanced equipment and processes needed, the facility will include a warehouse with a clear interior height of 17 meters. Development plans also outline future expansion possibilities, including an additional 81,805 square feet of warehouse space, initially landscaped as a planted meadow until construction begins.

The Chilliwack City Council recently approved a development variance permit for this project, allowing the building's height to exceed standard zoning regulations, ensuring it meets the operational requirements of the facility while adhering to Transport Canada’s airport zoning ordinances.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The establishment of Red Bull's new facility is expected to bring about 60 highly skilled jobs to the region and represents a direct investment of "hundreds of millions of dollars" into British Columbia. This move by Red Bull follows in the footsteps of other major companies like Molson Coors, which also chose Chilliwack for its operations due to similar strategic advantages.

As industrial land becomes increasingly scarce in Metro Vancouver, Chilliwack's appeal as a business hub continues to grow. The city's proactive approach to attracting industrial investments, coupled with the development of high-quality industrial projects by major developers, positions it as a key player in accommodating the expanding needs of global businesses.

Construction of the Red Bull facility is set to commence in 2024, with project planning and development preparations already underway. This development not only underscores Chilliwack’s growing importance in the industrial sector but also highlights its potential as a focal point for future industrial expansion in the Lower Mainland.

With Red Bull’s investment, Chilliwack is poised to become an integral part of the company’s global supply chain, solidifying its role in the North American market and further enhancing its reputation as a prime location for business and industry.