10
October
2005
|
04:45
Europe/Berlin

Kuehne + Nagel expands in Belgium

Kuehne + Nagel is investing 30 million euros in the construction of a state-of-the-art logistics facility in the Flemish town of Geel. Built to support the expansion of contract logistics activities, it marks one of the company’s largest logistics property investments in Europe. The official ground-breaking ceremony at Geel Punt Industrial Park is being held today.

The ideal geographic position of Geel was a decisive factor for Kuehne + Nagel to base its new logistics centre at this location. Geel Punt Industrial Park offers excellent access to motorways, railways and waterways, and is situated in the proximity of both the ports of Antwerpand Rotterdam.


Scheduled to go into operation in the third quarter of 2006, the facility will provide 45,000 sqm of warehousing and handling space and will include modern office accommodation. The site offers the option to further expand logistics capacities to 75,000 sqm.

Within the scope of the company’s full service concept, customers will benefit from innovative and efficient warehousing and distribution solutions in combination with value-added services across their supply chains.

Clemens Abt, Kuehne + Nagel’s Regional Director Benelux, said, “This major investment will significantly support the expansion of Kuehne + Nagel’s contract logistics activities across Belgium and the Benelux region. The terminal’s excellent infrastructure makes it an ideal import and distribution hub for globally operating companies with a European customer base.”

“We highly welcome Kuehne + Nagel’s decision to construct such a large facility here in Geel,” commented Frans Peeters, the town’s mayor. “It underlines the strategic importance of our region for the European logistics and transport industry and will help attract further international companies to the region as well as creating new jobs.”

Kuehne + Nagel Belgium’s contract logistics and overland departments, currently located at separate sites in Turnhout 20 km to the north, will be brought together at the new location, facilitating significant synergies.
robert.watts@kuehne-nagel.com