Axelent Supplies Durable Collision Protection for DreamLand's New Distribution Center

During the development of the new DreamLand site in Bilzen-Hoeselt, safety was considered an essential pillar from the design phase onward. The two warehouses together cover more than 40,000 m² and feature 44 loading docks. To optimally protect employees, critical infrastructure, and the continuity of logistics operations, DreamLand invested in a comprehensive and targeted approach to Axelent collision protection.

“To find the right partner for collision protection, we at DreamLand didn’t rush into anything,” says Frank Nolmans, Head of Real Estate & Facility at DreamLand. “Together with our partner Trinn—specifically freelance logistics consultant Patrick Noynaert—we conducted an extensive market survey, during which we evaluated various suppliers. In doing so, we looked not only at the products themselves, but also at how a supplier contributed ideas regarding the specific needs of our new logistics environment.”

After a thorough bidding process, Axelent was selected. “Following the bidding process, Axelent came out on top in terms of value for money. I also had confidence in the product, and I already knew account manager Ruben Geenen from a previous professional collaboration. That gave me even more confidence in the process.”

Impressive figures

“Our choice obviously had to fit within the scale and layout of our new logistics site,” Nolmans continues. “Warehouse 1 has an area of 20,000 square meters and features 21 loading docks. Warehouse 2 is slightly larger at 20,500 square meters and has 23 loading docks. Together, this amounts to more than 40,000 square meters of logistics space and 44 loading docks—an environment where many different types of activity converge. That’s precisely why it was important to carefully consider the protection of vulnerable areas and infrastructure right from the start.”

Protection in the Right Places

At the new site in Bilzen-Hoeselt, various types of collision protection were installed at strategic locations where a collision involving internal transport equipment could have serious consequences. For example, columns in the shipping area, data cabinets, meter cabinets, and other vulnerable equipment were protected against collisions with internal transport vehicles.

Frank Nolmans illustrates this with a few figures: “In our Warehouse 1, Axelent installed 61 bollards and 22 pieces of column protection, supplemented by dozens of meters of various types of collision protection. In Warehouse 2, there are 63 bollards, 10 pieces of column protection, and also many meters of collision protection.”

“Each location requires a tailored approach. Not all infrastructure is equally vulnerable, and traffic flows within a warehouse also vary from zone to zone. By tailoring security measures to the areas where internal transport and critical infrastructure may intersect, we aim to minimize risks as much as possible through preventive measures.”

Focus on escape routes as well

“We also paid close attention to keeping escape routes clear by installing bollards. These are designed to prevent key passageways from being blocked in the event of an emergency. This is not only about protecting physical infrastructure, but equally about creating and maintaining a safe environment for the people who work on the site every day.”

“The solutions we’ve chosen must therefore support multiple objectives at once. They help prevent property damage, protect critical infrastructure, and contribute to a safe work environment for all employees. By proactively securing key areas, we also reduce the risk of accidents and potential operational downtime.”

Phased installation

The installation was carried out in phases. “In Warehouse 2, it took place in the first half of February 2026. Warehouse 1 followed in the second half of July 2026. This phased approach aligned with the development and commissioning of our new site.”.

”For us, safety wasn’t a separate aspect that was only addressed after the project was completed. It was a key consideration from the very beginning in the design of both warehouses.”

Safety as a Continuous Process

For DreamLand, safety doesn’t end once a project is completed. Now that the new site is operational, the focus is shifting to further optimizing the logistics environment. Frank Nolmans: “In doing so, we’re constantly evaluating where additional safety measures can add value and how we can further optimize the existing layout.”.

”We are now going to optimize our new site as much as possible. Security remains a constant priority in this process."