SPAR is fully operational in Xenos' distribution centre. The high-rise warehouse is to become a key hub in the expansion envisaged by SPAR.
With its existing distribution centre in Waalwijk, the supermarket chain could no longer cope with the growth. When a large part of the Xenos DC in Waalwijk became vacant, SPAR decided to move in. The retail chain leased the building for twelve years from HB-capital, the real estate arm of the Blokker family. Spar's logistics space in Waalwijk expanded from 22,500 square metres to 37,400 square metres thanks to the new building.
Slow-moving products
SPAR uses the automated distribution centre to store 4,500 slow-moving groceries. The nearby old distribution centre will remain in use for the storage and distribution of fast-running groceries and fresh products. From Waalwijk, Spar currently serves 540 stores in the Netherlands. That number is set to grow rapidly. Some 70 shop openings are planned this year for the Express formula alone (Spar shops at petrol stations).
Same software and automation
SPAR has made few changes to Xenos' former distribution centre, Rob Salomé, manager Supply Chain and Logistics at SPAR told the Brabants Dagblad. "The companies use the same logistics software and automation. So that matches exactly," Salomé said. "However, Xenos did have roll containers with somewhat larger wheels. So the rails, over which the roll container travels, had to be adjusted a bit. But then that was the only thing." The entire contents were taken over from Xenos.
The new distribution centre now employs some 30 people. Operations will be further expanded in the coming weeks. "New shops will open every week. We will also be exporting all SPAR International products in the Netherlands."
Pallet spaces over
As there is plenty of space available, SPAR also rents pallet spaces in the warehouse to Blokker. The high-bay warehouse rises 36 metres into the air, providing space for 22,500 pallets. At its busiest time, SPAR has enough with 8,000 pallet spaces. "At Xenos, items were stored for about two to three months on average. At us, it is two to three weeks," Salomé told the BD.
Want to see the inside of SPAR's distribution centre? Watch the video of the Brabants Dagblad here.
