Zalando, the Europe-based online platform for fashion and lifestyle products, has contracted supply chain solutions and e-commerce logistics specialist Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle Services, to operate its fulfillment center in Bleiswijk near Rotterdam. Through its operation of the site, Ingram Micro expects to create around 1,500 jobs in the mid-term.
The fulfillment center has a footprint of 140,000m2 , making it the largest site in Zalando’s European logistics network. The first parcels are expected to be fulfilled from Bleiswijk in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Zalando started the construction of what is its first Dutch fulfillment center in 2019. It says the distribution facility will have the highest level of automation within its logistics network, such as goods-to-person shuttle technology. It hopes the facility will help unlock future growth for the company in Western Europe, providing fast shipping to customers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and the UK. Once the fulfillment center operates at full capacity, Zalando expects a reduction in delivery times of more than one day in the Benelux markets.
Jan Bartels, SVP of customer fulfillment at Zalando, commented, “We are excited to expand our logistics footprint with a state-of-the-art fulfillment center in the Netherlands. Our Benelux customers will benefit from reduced delivery times and new services like next- and same-day delivery, and with our trusted partner, Ingram Micro, we believe we’ll achieve that. We are looking forward to Ingram Micro setting up a strong local team, and together, we will enhance the customer experience in Western Europe.”
The site in Bleiswijk has been developed by a joint venture of Somerset Capital Partners and USAA Realco-Europe. For the construction of the fulfillment center, Zalando says it has invested in sustainable solutions and installed solar panels on the roof of the building. Within this context, the site also qualifies for the BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability certification.
Zalando chose Bleiswijk because of its location, the opportunity to invest into an existing business park with a well-developed infrastructure, and good collaboration with local authorities of the municipality of Lansingerland. The proximity to the A12 highway and being in the heart of the densely populated Randstad region fit Zalando’s ambition to be closer to its customers.
“Ingram Micro is proud to extend its relationship with Zalando and to be selected to manage operations at its newest and largest logistics site. Our global warehouse network and broad range of services include extensive e-commerce fulfillment experience in the Netherlands,” concluded Jack Heijkans, VP of commerce at Ingram Micro. “Our team offers significant local expertise and capabilities in the field of technology and automation, and our highly skilled operators will meet and exceed the expectations of Zalando and its customers, as we have in our other operations for Zalando.”
