Setting the standard for multi-licence narcotics storage in Canada

Gunnebo Canada in partnership with Hamilton Security has delivered a large-scale vault solution for a major third-party logistics provider in Canada’s pharmaceutical sector, supporting a new approach to the secure storage of controlled substances.
 
The project is the first vault of its kind in Canada to be manufactured and commissioned in line with updated Health Canada requirements, enabling the storage of narcotics under multiple licences within a single facility.
 
The changes required better use of existing floorspace by replacing several smaller vaults with one larger, fully compliant structure. Alongside meeting regulatory requirements, the aim was to improve operational efficiency within a high-demand logistics environment handling both over the counter and highly controlled pharmaceutical products.
 
Gunnebo Canada was responsible for the full scope of the project. This included the decommissioning and removal of existing vaults, as well as the design, manufacture and installation of a new Class 2 vault and surrounding security cage. A dedicated commercial intrusion alarm system and monitoring were also integrated as part of the overall solution.
 
“The real challenge was bringing together multiple complex elements into a single, compliant solution without disrupting ongoing operations,” said Navin Chadha, Senior Distribution Manager at Accuristix “We needed a partner who understood both the regulatory landscape and the practical realities of our environment. Having a single point of contact who could manage design, installation and coordination made a significant difference to how smoothly the project progressed.”
 
At the centre of the installation is a custom-engineered vault constructed using Class 2 panels in accordance with Health Canada directives. The structure measures approximately 27 feet in height, 39 feet in width and 66 feet in depth, with a total of 232 panels and an overall weight exceeding 750,000 pounds.
 
A bespoke vault door, based on a Class M design with a one-inch steel plate façade, provides a clear opening suited to high-volume logistics operations. The vault is enclosed within a large-scale security cage, reinforcing the layered approach required for controlled substance storage.
 
The installation was completed over a three-month period, requiring careful planning, coordination and regular site engagement to ensure expectations were met at every stage. The final solution supports compliance and long-term operational needs, including capacity, accessibility and future scalability.
 
Blair Cleveland, Regional Account Executive at Gunnebo Canada concluded: “This project reflects the level of coordination and technical understanding required when regulatory requirements change and facilities need to adapt. It was about delivering a solution that works day to day, while meeting a very specific and demanding brief. This project sets a clear reference point for how large-scale, compliant narcotics storage can be delivered under the updated requirements, from design through to operation.”
 

About Accuristix

Accuristix is Canada’s leading third-party logistics provider, specializing exclusively in customized end-to-end supply chain solutions for the healthcare industry, supporting pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biologics, consumer, natural and animal health products.