Construction of a climate-neutral logistics center in Hooglede begins

Monday, September 16, 2024 – Logistics company EUTRACO and VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN are constructing a modern, climate-neutral warehouse of 30,000 m² in Hooglede. That’s equivalent to 5 football fields of state-of-the-art logistics space. Serge Gregoir, CEO and owner of EUTRACO, along with Mayor Frederik Demeyere and Nickolas Vulsteke of VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN, placed the first column of the new building today. Besides EUTRACO, PostNL will also establish operations here.

At Roger Deceuninck Street in Hooglede, EUTRACO is working with construction company VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN to build a forward-looking logistics facility of 30,000 m². This investment amounts to a total of €30 million.

The new building consists of two units, each 15,000 m² in size. Half will be used by EUTRACO for logistics and distribution, primarily for food-related clients, while the other half will be rented to PostNL.

“In Belgium, we have a clear growth strategy. For the expansion of our activities in the region, we were looking for a larger depot. EUTRACO is a good neighbor to our high-tech sorting center in Willebroek. We share a sustainable vision, and we’re very pleased to become neighbors in this climate-neutral building by the end of 2025. PostNL will create 200 jobs here. For this, we will mainly rely on our employees and delivery staff from Ardooie and seek new hires,” said Arvin Willemse, Managing Director of PostNL Pakketten Belgium."

First Climate-Neutral Warehouse in Hooglede

The new building will be equipped with the latest technology to meet today’s logistics needs and future demands. Additionally, it will be built to be fully climate-neutral, making it the first of its kind in Hooglede.

“At EUTRACO, sustainability is a key strategic pillar in our policy. This new warehouse in Hooglede is a perfect example. With its climate-neutral design, we are fully committed to energy efficiency and reducing our ecological footprint. For us, logistics innovation goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable future, both for our sector and society,” said Serge Gregoir, CEO and owner of EUTRACO.

To make the building climate-neutral, there will be no gas connection; instead, it will be heated with industrial heat pumps. Additionally, EUTRACO will install almost 4MW of solar panels, and its new energy division, Eagle Power, will set up an Energy Storage System (ESS) of around 2MW. This will ensure that the site generates as much energy as it consumes. There will also be a charging station for e-trucks with a capacity of around 2MW, allowing about ten electric trucks to be charged using the site’s own energy.

“We are delighted to collaborate with EUTRACO on this innovative project. The design and construction of a forward-thinking logistics center aligns perfectly with our vision of sustainable and progressive building methods. We are proud to deliver a building ready for tomorrow’s challenges for this important logistics player,” said Nickolas Vulsteke, Managing Director of VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN.

Up to 50 New Jobs

EUTRACO and PostNL aim to move into the new building by the end of 2025. The various business activities on-site are expected to create 30 to 50 new jobs.
“The fact that a new, climate-neutral logistics center is coming to Hooglede is a great asset for our municipality and underlines our ambition to contribute to sustainable economic growth. Moreover, this project is a significant boost to local employment. Together with EUTRACO, we are taking a step toward the future, where innovative growth and sustainability are central,” said Frederik Demeyere, Mayor of Hooglede.

Strategic Expansion in the Region

The site in Hooglede is strategically located near the E403 and close to the French border. By expanding its activities here, EUTRACO strengthens its position in the region. The company has its roots in Roeselare, where it already has three locations. In addition to the new building in Hooglede, EUTRACO is also constructing a high-tech, automated high-rise warehouse in Krommebeekpark, Roeselare – a €50 million investment.