Construction of climate-neutral logistics center in Hooglede gets underway

Logistics player EUTRACO and VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN are building a modern and climate-neutral 30,000 m² warehouse in Hooglede. That's 5 soccer fields of state-of-the art logistics space. Serge Gregoir, CEO and owner of EUTRACO, together with Mayor Frederik Demeyere and Nickolas Vulsteke of VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN, today set the first column of the new building. In addition to EUTRACO itself, PostNL will also take up residence here.

On Roger Deceuninckstraat in Hooglede, EUTRACO is building a future-oriented logistics building of 30,000 m² in size together with construction company VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN. That is equivalent to 5 soccer fields. It involves a total investment of 30 million euros.

The new building consists of two units of 15,000 m² each. One half will be used by EUTRACO in its own operation for logistics and distribution mainly for food-related clients. The other half of the building will be leased to PostNL.

"In Belgium, we have a clear growth strategy. To expand our activities in the region, we were looking for a larger depot. EUTRACO is a good neighbor to our high-tech sorting center in Willebroek. We share a sustainable vision and are therefore very pleased to become neighbors in this climate-neutral building from the end of 2025. PostNL is creating work for 200 people here. For this, we rely mainly on our employees and delivery staff from Ardooie and we will be looking for new employees." - Arvin Willemse, general manager PostNL Parcels Belgium

Hooglede's first climate-neutral warehouse

The new building will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology so that it not only meets the logistics needs of today, but also those of the future. In addition, it will be built completely climate-neutral. This makes it the first climate-neutral logistics building in Hooglede.

"At EUTRACO, sustainability is an important strategic pillar in our policy. This new warehouse in Hooglede is a perfect example of that. With its climate-neutral design, we are fully committed to energy efficiency and the reduction of our ecological footprint. For us, logistics innovation goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. We are proud to contribute in this way to a more sustainable future, both for our sector and for society." - Serge Gregoir, CEO and owner of EUTRACO

To make the building climate-neutral, no gas connection will be laid but instead heated with industrial heat pumps. In addition, EUTRACO is providing nearly 4MW of solar panels and EUTRACO Eagle Power, the company's new energy division, will install a battery system (ESS or Energy Storage System) of about 2MW. In this way, EUTRACO will ensure that as much energy is generated, as the site consumes itself. There will also be a charging station for e-trucks with a capacity of around 2 MW. This will allow a dozen or so electric trucks to be charged structurally, primarily with their own power.

"We are delighted to partner with EUTRACO on this innovative project. The design and construction of a future-oriented logistics center perfectly aligns with our vision of sustainable and progressive construction methods. We are proud to realize a building for this important logistics player that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow." - Nickolas Vulsteke, business manager of VULSTEKE BEDRIJFSGEBOUWEN

Up to 50 new jobs

The aim is for EUTRACO and PostNL to move into the new building by the end of 2025. Thanks to the various business activities on the site, 30 to 50 new jobs will easily be created.

"That a new and climate-neutral logistics center is coming to Hooglede is an asset for our municipality and underlines our ambition to participate in sustainable economic growth. Moreover, this project means an important boost for local employment. Together with EUTRACO, we are thus taking a step towards the future, in which innovative growth and sustainability are central." - Frederik Demeyere, mayor of Hooglede

Strategic expansion in the region

The site in Hooglede has an interesting strategic location near the E403 and not far from the French border. By expanding its activities here, EUTRACO is strengthening its position in the region. The company has its roots in Roeselare, and in the meantime has three branches there. In addition to the new building in Hooglede, EUTRACO is today also building a high-tech, automated high-rise warehouse in the Krommebeek Park in Roeselare - an investment of 50 million euros.