Innovating with impact: GXO pioneers in automated warehousing and logistics

With more than 25 years of experience in the logistics industry, Willem Veekens, Managing Director for the Netherlands and Belgium, leads a company at the forefront of technological innovation and sustainable solutions in warehousing. A global leader in logistics services, GXO has specialized in advanced warehouse solutions that help companies stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. During an interview with Warehouse & Logistics, the GXO top executive provides insight into the company's core activities, progressive projects and ambitious vision for the future.

For many years, GXO has been the partner of choice for companies seeking efficiency and scalability in their supply chain. The company focuses on sectors as diverse as food, e-commerce and retail. The latter is once again showing a strong growth curve, according to Willem Veekens, thanks in part to the strategic use of automation and robotization. "With innovative technologies and customer-oriented services, we ensure better performance, lower costs and higher customer satisfaction. Whether responding to seasonal peaks or long-term growth, we help companies continue to operate sustainably and efficiently."

"GXO operates about 60 warehouses in the Netherlands and Belgium, where 12,000 employees collect, pack and ship orders daily to customers worldwide. This network is a crucial part of many companies' global supply chains," confirmed the GXO chief. 

Robotics, safety and CSR

One of GXO's spearheads is the use of robotics and automation in a warehouse environment. Think collaborative robots (cobots) and automatic sorting systems. They not only increase efficiency, but also improve employee safety and work experience. "We are investing in technologies that ease heavy physical work while increasing accuracy and speed," explains Willem. Still, the human factor remains central to GXO's strategy. The company is strongly committed to training employees and providing good living and working conditions for temporary workers. According to Willem, this is not only beneficial to the company's reputation, but also essential within GXO's CSR policy.

Example projects in the Netherlands and Belgium

Both in the Netherlands and Belgium, GXO can present impressive logistics projects. Willem: "In Belgium, I would like to refer to the new Kellanova warehouse we opened in Mechelen in April 2024. This sustainable warehouse achieved the highest BREEAM ratings thanks to low CO2 emissions, own energy generation and a modern working environment for staff. It is a textbook example of how we can combine ecological responsibility with a pleasant workplace."

"In Heerlen, the Netherlands, we are building an automated distribution center for a large omnichannel sports retailer. The project includes technologies such as shuttles and pocket sorters, which will become operational next year. What is remarkable is that this project has already created 1,500 jobs, with another 1,200 in the future. It shows that automation and employment can go hand in hand," adds the GXO executive.

Trends and challenges in logistics automation

Today, GXO generates 30% of its sales worldwide through automation and robotization, a share that will only increase. Willem emphasizes that sectors such as e-commerce are leading the way here. 

"The peak periods in e-commerce require fast switching as well as a guarantee of output, and that is only possible with a smart combination of technology and manpower," he says. "But the road to advanced automation is quite challenging. High investment costs, scalability and personnel training are crucial points. From GXO, we respond to this with strategic partnerships and internal training programs that prepare employees to work together with advanced systems."

Important role for AI 

What does the future hold for the logistics industry? Willem points to trends such as autonomous vehicles, drones for last-mile delivery and the broader application of AI and data analytics. "These technologies not only promise efficiency improvements, but also contribute to our sustainability goals. At GXO, we see it as our responsibility to embrace these innovations. We want to be not only a logistics service provider, but also a pioneer that keeps raising the bar in the industry," he concludes.