New distribution center for Hoogvliet
Arcadis provides program management services
PROJECT STORY
The challenge
Hoogvliet’s logistics capabilities were impeding its ability to become the most attractive omnichannel supermarket.
The solution
A new energy-efficient distribution center with improved mechanization and automation that increases the company's logistics capacity while reducing its environmental impact.
The impact
The center’s improved automation leads to an efficient logistics process and lowers employee physical requirements by shortening the distance they must walk and reducing the amount of repetitive lifting.
42,000 m2
of solar cells
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capacity and improved supply chain
72,000 m2
distribution center
The challenge
Hoogvliet is aiming to be the most attractive omnichannel supermarket in its market. However, the company's logistics capabilities were no longer sufficient to meet that objective. Hoogvliet was looking for a sustainable and cost-effective solution that would enable it to further improve its service for customers. The solution was found in a new distribution center, with Arcadis providing general program management services.
The solution
For Hoogvliet, environmental awareness and energy efficiency were top of the agenda in the development of the distribution center. This is evident from decisions such as the choice of materials and the construction method, which satisfy the requirements for 'BREEAM Outstanding' approval, the highest achievable sustainability class for buildings. The company also invested heavily in facilities for the safety, wellbeing and comfort of its employees, as well as in reducing the ecological footprint of the building. Green measures such as energy-efficient installations, environmentally friendly cooling technology and 42,000 m2 of solar cells on the roof significantly reduce the energy consumption of the network. Thanks to the highly effective insulation, graywater system and the exclusion of natural gas as a source of energy, Hoogvliet further reduced the building's impact on nature.
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Arcadis assisted Hoogvliet with the coordination and integration of all activities to get the distribution center up and running in a timely manner. We also took care of all engineering aspects and building management for the distribution center, as well as supporting the integration of the logistics systems and IT adjustments. The team also worked with Hoogvliet to set up and train the service and maintenance organization. Hoogvliet wanted to work in a new way and Arcadis prepared its staff for this highly automated environment and for the migration of the old centers to the new location. Finally, we played an important role in the Capex program and supported the ramp-up.
The impact
The distribution center, which covers an area of over 72,000 sq.m, puts Hoogvliet in an excellent competitive position. The location not only allows for a substantial increase in capacity, but also offers room for further expansion in the future and is easily accessible for transport traffic. The extensive use of mechanization and automation technology also improves logistics processes, reduces lifting and cuts walking distances for employees. The location is also home to the service center, packaging processing and the new Hoogvliet butcher. The supermarket now has an attractive distribution center that has been designed for and with the people who work there.
