Testing, collaboration and training in Factory Logistics

The logistics sector in our country faces many tough challenges. The lack of available business space, the search for technical personnel, the advance of new technologies... For logistics players and their end customers, it is all hands on deck. With Factory Logistics, POM East Flanders supports them to optimize warehouse space, test new logistics technologies and train employees. Project manager Danny Vanrijkel explains.

With Fabriek Logistiek, the first logistics test space in Belgium is a reality. According to Danny Vanrijkel, business development project manager at POM East Flanders, it is no coincidence that Ghent was chosen as the base of operations for this ambitious project. "The expansion of smart logistics is high on the agenda in East Flanders. After all, the province is a top logistics region. It is crossed by the E40 and E17 motorways, has two ports - North Sea Port and Waaslandhaven -, and the Scheldt and the Leie are important arteries for inland navigation. With the East Flanders provincial government as the 'booster', POM implements economic policy and translates it into concrete actions."

In dialogue with entrepreneurs

"When we developed Fabriek Logistiek together with a few partners and launched it in 2021, it fit perfectly into this translation," Danny points out. "After all, we see how logistics players in our country have to pull out all the stops to keep pace with challenges in the economy, in the labor market and in digitalization and automation. Look, for example, at the rising popularity of e-commerce or the deployment of high-tech solutions to optimize warehouse space. Not to mention the continuing tightness in the labor market, with more and more companies looking across borders to recruit new logistics talent. We did not develop Factory Logistics from an ivory tower, but rather in consultation with entrepreneurs and logistics consultants who have both feet firmly on the ground."

Test space packed with new logistics technologies

"With our test platform, located in a new industrial park in Zwijnaarde, we want to bring innovations closer to entrepreneurs, taking the logistics sector to the next level," Danny said. "We have exclusive partnerships with a total of 36 organizations. And there are more in the queue. Together, we filled two logistics halls with the most diverse logistics technologies and equipment. That warehouse operation test space accounts for 2,200 square meters. In addition, there is also 1,950 square meters of e-commerce test space available, and the same area for a training platform of the VDAB."

Wide range of testing capabilities

The three spaces - focusing on pallet operation, e-commerce and training - provide a range of testing opportunities. Danny lists a few: "With your own goods and people, you can test a technology or product development in your own process setup and thus develop customized solutions. Or you can concretely experience the effects of adding services - such as e-commerce - on
your warehouse operation." 

"Performing a Proof of Concept in a realistic environment is also perfectly possible in our test room. Finally, we offer companies all facilities to train their staff in new technologies."

Everyone welcome!

These testing opportunities clearly show that POM East Flanders is rolling out the red carpet for diverse audiences with Fabriek Logistiek. "Both small and large companies and organizations, researchers, providers of innovative warehousing products and training and education providers are warmly welcome in Zwijnaarde," says Danny. "They enter a non-commercial test setting that is unique in Europe. And our concept is catching on. Both at home and abroad, we have already received numerous requests to advise on the start-up of similar test centers in other regions. Innovate, simulate and integrate: that is and will remain our motto." ■