The Scandinavian home furnishings chain JYSK has received the keys to its new distribution centre in Lelystad. The mega-DC on the edge of the IJsselmeer covers an area of no less than 147,000 square metres and comprises two high-bay warehouses. Körber is responsible for the automation. The first container has now been unloaded.
According to JYSK itself, the distribution centre in Lelystad is the most advanced logistics centre in the home furnishings chain’s history. Over the past two years, main contractor Willy Naessens Nederland, construction partner Vrolijk Groep and JYSK have worked closely together to bring the project to fruition. The coming months will be devoted to testing the advanced systems, preparing the operational processes and gradually building up stock. This phase has now begun with the arrival of the first container.
“Receiving the keys is a significant milestone for everyone who has worked on this project. Delivering a building of this size and complexity on time is a tremendous achievement. This is thanks to the dedication and cooperation of all parties involved. Now that the building has been handed over, we can embark on a new and exciting phase,” says Ole Thomsen, executive vice president of logistics at JYSK.
Two high-bay warehouses
A large proportion of the stock will soon be stored in two fully automated high-bay warehouses, each 46 metres high. In addition, the distribution centre features a specially equipped e-commerce department. For the first time within JYSK’s logistics network, advanced automation and robotisation make it possible to pick, pack and prepare online orders for dispatch within a matter of hours.
JYSK is aiming for LEED Platinum certification in Lelystad, the highest internationally recognised standard for sustainable construction. The site features, amongst other things, green spaces, open water systems for rainwater harvesting, green roofs, a roof garden and solar panels.
Once the distribution centre is fully operational, it will employ more than 350 staff. The site includes, amongst other things, a staff canteen with its own kitchen and a gym.
An important step
“With the completion of the distribution centre, we have taken an important step in the further development of our logistics network,” says Jaroslaw Sobczyk, logistics director in Lelystad. “Once the site is operational, we will have additional capacity and flexibility, enabling us to support our stores and customers in the Netherlands, Belgium and France even more effectively.” The distribution centre is expected to be fully operational in 2027.
