Today Lidl celebrated two important milestones at its distribution centre in Etten-Leur: the official opening of the fifth fast-charging square for electric trucks and the driving of the first pile for the 15,000-square-metre expansion of the distribution centre. This takes the distribution centre to a total area of 53,000 square metres. From this location, 63 Lidl shops in the region are supplied daily with electric and biofuel-powered trucks.
The opening ceremony was performed by Mayor Starmans-Gelijns and Etten-Leur alderman De Weert. Mayor Starmans-Gelijns: "I warmly congratulate Lidl on this milestone. The opening of the loading square and the expansion of the distribution centre, contribute to the sustainable development of Etten-Leur. Lidl is a progressive organisation that also provides a large amount of employment in our region and has an eye for its environment. In particular, I appreciate that the loading plaza is also open to other entrepreneurs. This is how we tackle sustainability together, as a municipality we warmly welcome that."
Quick charging plaza also accessible for entrepreneurs in the region
The new fast charging plaza consists of six powerful 350 kW charging poles and runs entirely on green electricity, partly generated by the 3,960 solar panels that will be located on the roof of the distribution centre. The short distances between the distribution centre and the shops make electric transport particularly suitable. It is safer, less environmentally damaging and contributes to affordable shopping, without compromising on environmental targets.
The charging infrastructure is semi-publicly accessible: suppliers and other companies in the region can use the charging capacity at attractive rates Ruud Metten, Manager Transport & Innovation at Lidl Netherlands: "We are working on positive change and encourage others to take the same path. By sharing our infrastructure, we accelerate the energy transition. It is not a public station, but a shared initiative where entrepreneurs make agreements on usage. That way we avoid waiting times and learn from each other."
Early start and clear course 'all-electric'
Lidl started electric provisioning in Amsterdam back in 2015 and has now realised five fast-charging plazas. The clear course towards all-electric transport was set in 2023 and provides carriers with guidance for their own investment plans. With a range of more than 500 kilometres and short distances between distribution centre and shop, electric transport for Lidl is not only future-oriented, but also (cost) efficient. Metten: "Anyone who waits now will soon be behind. Cooperation and looking ahead are the key. We already have the grid connection and the knowledge, so we are also investigating whether a larger, publicly accessible charging station can be established in the Etten-Leur region in the future."
Sustainable and energy-efficient building central to expansion
The expansion of the distribution centre is a logical step in Lidl's growth strategy. The building is a paragon of future-proof construction and energy efficiency. After the expansion, the building is completely gas-free, equipped with a cooling system on natural refrigerants, equipped with 100 per cent LED lighting and designed with an eye for nature and the environment. Lidl's ambition with the renovation is to achieve a BREEAM Excellent score and a GPR certificate of 8.5.
Completion of the total renovation of the distribution centre is expected in February 2027.
