Local Business
Tech Startup Expands to Former Factory in East York
A local tech company specializing in logistics AI has moved into a renovated warehouse, bringing dozens of jobs and innovation to East York.
By Feather Sand Chronicles Editorial Team | April 07, 2025 at 10:44
A once-abandoned factory in East York is now pulsing with digital energy thanks to the expansion of a Toronto-based tech startup specializing in logistics and supply chain optimization. The company, known as Movalytics, has taken over a 30,000 square-foot industrial space, transforming it into a modern workspace filled with programmers, data analysts, and warehouse automation engineers.
The expansion marks a major milestone for Movalytics, which started out in a shared downtown co-working space just four years ago. CEO Clara Liu says the company’s growth reflects a surge in demand for intelligent routing and freight coordination services, especially among small to mid-sized retailers struggling with last-mile delivery challenges.
The renovated space includes open-plan offices, testing labs for hardware integration, and a community café open to neighbouring businesses. Retaining elements of the original brick-and-beam construction, the design bridges industrial heritage with modern sustainability features like solar panels and greywater systems.
Local councillor Brad Peters applauded the development, calling it a win for East York. 'It’s not just job creation—it’s reinvigoration. This space sat vacant for a decade, and now it’s a tech hub bringing fresh energy to the community,' he said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Movalytics plans to hire 50 new employees over the next year, many of them from nearby post-secondary institutions. The company is partnering with Centennial College and Ryerson University to offer internships and co-op placements in AI development and logistics management.
Neighbours have responded positively to the project, with several local business owners noting a rise in foot traffic and lunchtime business. As Toronto continues to explore mixed-use revitalization of its aging industrial corridors, Movalytics’ East York facility could become a blueprint for balancing heritage preservation with modern innovation.