Logistics companies search for Brabant

Brabant is proving attractive to companies in the
logistics sector. In 2015, thirty companies were assisted with the
investments they made in the logistics sector in Brabant. In total,
€118 million was invested, which is not only good for the companies,
but also for job creation.

The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) had
2015 had its hands full with the investments being made in the region, but was
extremely pleased with the interest shown in investing. On its website, the organisation
states: “The BOM encourages companies, public authorities and knowledge institutions to
realise Brabant’s economic ambitions. The guiding principle is to offer
smart solutions to societal challenges.” Companies are keen to
invest in logistics companies because of the excellent opportunities the region
offers. It acts as a hub and has excellent transport links both by water and
by road. In addition, both the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp are nearby.
These were among the reasons why BOM had a good year.

The local area benefits from the companies
Jan Pelle, Managing Director of the BOM, looks back on 2015 with a
smile at 2015: “We are extremely pleased with these results. It is not
only does job creation provide a boost to the regional economy
boost, but the local area surrounding these foreign companies also benefits from their
presence. It provides the dynamism that Brabant needs.”

Major projects in 2015
In 2015, investment was not limited to existing
companies, but many new players also entered the market. Eelke Brinkoff,
Manager of Foreign Investments, saw several players set up operations in Brabant
region. “Shimano’s planned move to Eindhoven is indicative of the
high-calibre expertise made available in the region, such as the High Tech
Campus, the Holst Centre and Eindhoven University of Technology. This is a good
example of how an ecosystem attracts foreign
organisations; we see this not only in high-tech sectors but also within
the agri-food and life sciences sectors, for example.”

Foreign companies are expandingin
The trend in recent years has been that fewer
foreign companies in the logistics sector wishing to invest in Western Europe, but
Brabant has managed to maintain its position well. “A key focus, both nationally
and regionally is the availability of high-quality logistics property and the
availability of qualified staff. The presence of researchers
as well as engineers, production and logistics staff is crucial to
meet the demand from foreign companies.”

Positive outlook for 2016
The outlook for 2016 is also
positive for foreign investment. On its website, the BOM states: “Based on
a well-stocked project portfolio (around 300 projects), the BOM
for 2016, the greatest momentum will come from the United States and Asia, in the sectors of
logistics, high-tech, life sciences and agri-food.”

Editorial LogistiekProfs