The facility will enable DHL Exel Supply Chain to consolidate its food logistics and distribution activities in Belgium, the companies said.

In the project’s first phase, Eurinpro will build a 345,620 square foot warehouse that will be custom designed as a “Mega Food Center” for DHL Exel Supply Chain. DHL Exel Supply Chain will rent the facility from Eurinpro, occupying the initial 172,000 square foot warehouse unit by July and the second unit by October.

The project’s second phase, which calls for a maximum expansion of 431,600 square feet, is planned in the 2006-2009 time frame.

Jan Deltour, Managing Director of DHL Exel Supply Chain Belgium, believes that 300 to 350 employees will be needed to staff the facility by the start of 2009 in order to implement all activities at the fully operational site.

As part of its tailor-made total solution, Eurinpro looked for the most suitable location for this project. Yves Boonen, Country Manager for Eurinpro Belgium, explained, "The site is less than two miles from the main roadway connecting Antwerp and Brussels. The logistics center is located about 18.5 miles from both the Port of Antwerp and Brussels International Airport, and slightly more than four miles from the Willebroek barge terminal. The close proximity to multi-modal shipping options dramatically increases the facility’s multipurpose nature, accessibility and value."

Marc Delaet, Mayor of Willebroek, said: "The arrival of DHL, which is an important motor for the local economy and the employment in our region, must be used to support our arguments for providing better access to and from the site via the A12/N16 motorways, and as such better control traffic in a way which is acceptable for all parties."

Source: Press Release