When logistics drives collaborative transformation
It all started with a vision
VM Building Solutions, a key player in the roofing and facade industry, had a clear ambition: transform its logistics operations to better serve its customers across Western Europe. Known for its high-quality zinc and EPDM* membrane solutions, VM Building Solutions also stands out for its commitment to supporting professionals with technical expertise and long-term reliability. Operating in 22 countries, VM Building Solutions understood that quality product must be matched by excellence in logistics. And this is where the story begins.
Bringing pieces together
In 2021, VM Building Solutions and Kuehne+Nagel turned this vision into reality. Together, they inaugurated a 36,000 m² fulfilment centre in Lambres-lez-Douai, Northern France, bringing together the operations of six distribution sites under one roof. This was not just a warehouse. It was a strategic pivot: a single, streamlined operation designed to serve Northern France, the Benelux, the UK, and Ireland with greater agility and adaptability. What makes this collaboration truly unique is the co-construction approach that shaped the project from the ground up. “We didn’t just hand over a project, we built it together during a very challenging time,” says Geert Oliebos, Supply chain manager at VM Building Solutions. “From the layout to the classification of goods, Kuehne+Nagel was with us every step of the way.”
Expertise that makes a difference
The Lambres-lez-Douai site is a testament to Kuehne+Nagel’s ability to manage complex, non-standard logistics with precision. Whether it is industrial pallets weighing as much as three tonnes, tiny parts measuring just three millimetres, or gutters extending up to six metres, the facility is equipped to handle an extensive range of sizes and specific needs. Behind the scenes, a control tower organises road logistics and optimises truck load rates ensuring efficient transport across the region, and specific WMS and TMS have been tailored for the needs of VM Building Solutions. The site also demonstrates strong ADR competence, managing hazardous materials in full compliance with European regulations. Other innovations include real-time photo tracking from the moment a truck is loaded, a photo is taken and instantly uploaded to a secure server, allowing immediate access and traceability of each shipment.
Looking ahead
Following the successful integration of several VM Building Solutions activities under one roof, the Lambres-lez-Douai hub is evolving into a multi-functional logistics platform, ready to integrate export flows and support additional business units. Each new layer added to the hub reflects a commitment to continuous improvement turning a logistics centre into a true nerve centre for innovation, agility, and growth. “We see Kuehne+Nagel not just as a logistics provider, but as a true partner in our transformation,” says Geert Oliebos. “They understand our complexity, they challenge us, and they help us move forward, locally and internationally.”
*EPDM stands for Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer, which is a type of synthetic rubber widely used in roofing applications.
With close to 85,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world's leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is listed in the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI. The Group is the global number one in air and sea logistics and has strong market positions in road and contract logistics. Kuehne+Nagel is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers worldwide. Using its global network, logistics expertise and data-based insights, the Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries.