Vanguard to build and operate big Antwerp consolidation warehouse

CONFREIGHT, a Vanguard Logistics Services unit and a European provider of neutral ocean freight services to the logistics industry, has been awarded a 35-year concession on a 70,000-square metre lot on which it aims to build and operate the single largest consolidation warehouse in Antwerp.

"This is a significant signal that we are delivering on the promise we made to invest in the Confreight/Vanguard facilities in Europe," said Owen Glenn, chairman of the OTS Logistics Group, which acquired Confreight in March.

The facility is located at Schomhoeveweg because of nearby major road links. The 38,750-square metre warehouse will be equipped with modern sprinkler, access control and monitoring facilities and a special area will be set aside to handle hazardous cargo compliant with "the most advanced statutory and environmental requirements,' a statement from the OTS Logistics Group said.

A recent groundbreaking ceremony signalled the start of construction and the new facility should commence operations in September 2008.

"We wanted to start from the ground up and build something completely new," said Hans Mikkelsen, regional managing director for the group in Europe. "The new warehouse will increase our European space to nearly 90,000 square metres."