Zalando will start the construction of its first Dutch distribution centre near Rotterdam this summer. The XXL DC of 140,000 square metres is to accommodate sixteen million items.
Zalando is investing 200 million euros in intralogistics alone. The fulfilment centre will have the highest level of automation within the Zalando network, which currently consists of nine fulfilment centres across Europe. The high level of automation should take over physically demanding tasks from employees, while increasing the service level for customers.
1,500 jobs
The distribution centre in Bleiswijk will create around 1,500 jobs in the medium term. Zalando will outsource the daily operations to an external party. The selection of this partner will take place through a tender process.
Shorter delivery times
Zalando says expansion of its logistics network is necessary to achieve its 2023/2024 growth target. With the new DC, Zalando also aims to reduce delivery times in the Benelux, for example through same-day or next-day delivery. From Bleiswijk, the e-tailer will supply the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain and the UK.
"Markets within the Benelux play an integral role in Zalando's growth ambition," says Kenneth Melchior, director Northern Europe at Zalando. "Over the next five years, we want to more than double our sales in this region and thus strengthen our position as market leader. The opening of our fulfilment centre in Bleiswijk is crucial to make this growth possible."
Operational in 2021
USAA Realco Europe and Somerset Capital Partners are responsible for the development of the building, with the parties aiming for sustainability score BREAAM-NL Very Good during construction. Solar panels will be installed on the building's roof, with the first packages expected to go out in summer 2021.
