Kuehne + Nagel opens frozen foods distribution centre in northern Italy

Constructed on a 45.000 sqm plot, the site is strategically located southwest of the Milan ring road close to the A7 motorway; an ideal gateway to serve the whole northern part of the Italian peninsula.

The new distribution centre provides over 12,000 sqm of warehouse space and a temperature-controlled (-28°C) storage volume of 140,000 cubic metres across two cells. In a next phase of construction warehouse space can be extended to 17,000 sqm. The facility allows for the outbound handling of up to 8 million cases a year. These are distributed across northern Italy, including Tuscany, via Kuehne + Nagel’s dedicated road transport network.

The building complies with the strictest security and environmental requirements. It is equipped with a grid-connected photovoltaic generator, and 8,000 sqm of solar panels have been installed on its roof. Additionally, it features the latest state-of-the-art warehouse technology (radio frequency and voice picking), thereby significantly enhancing operations in terms of ergonomics, a key factor in the frozen foods sector.

Ruggero Poli, National Manager of Kuehne + Nagel Italia Srl, commented: “This new facility strengthens our logistics leadership in the retail sector, particularly in the growing frozen market. The utilisation of modern technological solutions will allow us to provide our current and future customers with a high quality service combined with effective productivity and performance levels, leveraging the advantages of the multi-user concept. Furthermore, the photovoltaic system allows us to significantly reduce energy costs and underpins the attention that Kuehne + Nagel pays to environmental issues.”