Zijderlaan opts for sustainable growth in logistics

To be able to continue as an organization to respond to the growing logistics demand of our customers, we are investing in the construction of an entirely new distribution center in Dinteloord. The DC is ideally situated along the A4 motorway, centrally located between the ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Moerdijk. On a 6-hectare plot, we will realize a 'BREEAM Outstanding' certified building in four phases over the next few years. The construction of phase 1 will start in February 2024.

PUBLIC WAREHOUSE

With an area of 15,000 m2, phase 1 will be set up as a public warehouse. Leo Lokker, Commercial and Operational Director at Zijderlaan: "For a number of years now, we have seen an increased need to hold higher stocks in Europe and thereby become less vulnerable and less dependent on just-in-time deliveries from other continents. As a logistics service provider and strategic partner, we want to meet this growing need for storage space, from both existing and new customers. With our envisaged 'narrow-aisle storage' where we will use man-up trucks, we can easily accommodate 28,750 pallets in this first phase."

STRATEGIC EXPANSION

The investment in this logistics expansion is seen as a unique opportunity to ensure the continuity of our family business. "With the development of this new distribution center, we are consciously giving hands and feet to the strategic policy of our organization, "says Sabine Zijderlaan, Managing Director. "Focusing on growth in logistics activities, alongside the continuation of our transport activities, is one of our spearheads. With the realization of this project, we can organize all logistics processes within the chain even more specifically according to customer requirements."

EXCEPTIONALLY DURABLE

Sustainability and innovation are also very important, strategic pillars within our company. This is why our building is being built at the highest BREEAM certification level for sustainability (Outstanding). With this, the building meets very strict requirements in the areas of energy efficiency, water use, materials, health and well-being of users and ecology, among others. "Our ambition to achieve the highest possible level in innovation and sustainability is reflected in our building. Furthermore, we are investigating the possibilities of electrifying part of our vehicle fleet and creating a charging plaza that is also accessible to third parties," said Sabine Zijderlaan.

BLENDING INTO THE LANDSCAPE

In the design, we paid extra attention to the color scheme to integrate the building naturally into the landscape. In doing so, we chose high-quality and durable materials. The natural light, the volumes that seem to float and the recognizable main entrance are further unique features of our property. The entire site will be finished with various green spaces, which will benefit the biodiversity and living environment.

FOLLOWING CONSTRUCTION PHASES: BUILD-TO-SUIT

We make it possible to develop phases 2 through 4 completely customized to the customer's requirements. Due to the licensed heights of 20 to 30 meters, these construction phases are suitable for a fully automated warehouse including pallet cranes. Our goal is to realize a total warehouse area of 33,000 m2 with space for 70,000 pallets by 2040.

The first phase of our distribution center in Dinteloord is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2025.

More information can be found here:

www.zijderlaan.nl/dc-dinteloord