Netherlands at risk of losing top logistics position
Source: Hibou
Amsterdam, 20 May 2026 - Automation in distribution centres is driving increasing demand for modern logistics space in the Netherlands. This is according to new research by Prologis. Companies are investing in technology to work more efficiently in a market heavily influenced by tight labour markets, limited land availability and rising expectations around order fulfilment.
The Netherlands is one of the clearest examples within Europe of how automation is helping companies deal with staff shortages and space shortages, according to the study. Prologis' analysis shows that automation is not lowering the demand for warehouse space. Companies use automation to get more capacity out of existing distribution centres without adding extra space. As a result, the need for modern logistics space in strategic locations is actually increasing.
Labour shortages and scarce land
The study shows why automation is gaining ground in the Netherlands faster and faster. The logistics sector is struggling with a structural staff shortage: the number of vacancies has tripled in ten years, while around 40 per cent of transport and storage employees will retire within 15 years. At the same time, land scarcity, grid congestion and spatial restrictions make expansion increasingly difficult.
For logistics companies, this means that growth needs to come less and less from extra square metres or extra staff, and more and more from higher productivity within existing distribution centres. Automation plays a key role in this: technology helps companies process more orders in the same space.
This development is also visible within Prologis' Dutch portfolio, where more than 25% of spaces are now automated. According to Prologis, this is precisely why demand is growing for modern logistics buildings suitable for technological applications.
Netherlands losing logistics lead
Thijs Fleers, Essentials VP of Sales at Prologis Netherlands: "The Netherlands is in danger of losing its traditional lead as Europe's top logistics location. We are running into increasingly tough limits: staff shortages, land scarcity and rising costs. If we want to remain competitive, growth must increasingly come from smarter and more productive distribution centres. This study shows that automation is essential in this and actually increases demand for modern logistics buildings."
Demand for flexible technology
Broader in the market now applies some 30% of modern logistics buildings with some form of automation, up from 20% to 25% five years ago. According to Prologis, this growth is mainly driven by flexible technologies, such as mobile robots and modular systems. Unlike traditional fixed automation, these systems are quicker to implement, easier to scale up and better suited to rental premises.
As a result, automation is shifting from a niche solution for large distribution centres to a broader standard within the logistics sector. Prologis expects about half of all warehouses to include some form of automation by 2035. At the same time, demand is growing for logistics buildings designed for automation. The full report, Applied Automation in the Warehouse Boosts Value Across Stakeholders, can be found here.
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