Barry Callebaut set to deliver new Belgian global distribution centre
The Barry Callebaut group is to deliver a major investment in its production activities with the construction of a new global distribution centre (GDC) in Lokeren, Belgium.
Totalling more than 60,000 m², the facility is set to include a low bay and a fully automated high bay warehouse that will form an international logistics hub for distributing its products for the confectionery sector. This includes the majority of items in its gourmet and specialties and decorations segment, as well as solid chocolate.
According to the company, the new GDC allows Barry Callebaut to consolidate its activities currently located across several locations in the region of Aalst, Belgium. It is anticipated to help optimise and increase the efficiency of the company’s product distribution. The warehouse site will be realised by Warehouses De Pauw (WDP), with the site being rented by the cocoa and chocolate producer on a long-term basis from its completion in the third-quarter of 2021.
In addition to the 85 people currently employed, Barry Callebaut expects to have additional vacancies based on the projected growth for the GDC activities.
Massimo Garavaglia, president EMEA of the Barry Callebaut Group, said: “The global expansion of our products has increased rapidly in recent years, and we anticipate that this trend will continue in the future. The new Global Distribution Centre is an adequate solution that responds to our growth, increases efficiency for our customers as well as employees and guarantees improved mobility at the same time. In addition, the development of the GDC is a textbook example of the implementation of our ‘smart growth’ strategy.” The new site supports Barry Callebaut’s goal to become carbon positive by 2025, as described in the Group’s sustainability plan, Forever Chocolate.
Significantly, the logistics hub will be fully energy-neutral, certified by BREAAM1, by investing in, amongst others, solar panels, use of materials with low life cycle cost, geothermal energy, charging stations for electric vehicles, and extensive facilities for cyclists.
