Distribution centers and factories that fit like a jacket

Inspiring projects in a row

As a traditional Brabant family business, Bouwbedrijf Van de Ven has been a trusted and valued partner in logistics real estate for many years. "We also excel in mechanized warehouse projects, working intensively and constructively with the building user and system integrators," says deputy director Frank Smits.

"We like to put our knowledge and experience to use to provide early insight into processes and requirements. Based on this, the right provisions can be made immediately. For this reason, our project managers are also involved right from the calculation phase." 

Together with Smits, we take a tour of some appealing projects. From the mechanized distribution center for bol.com in Waalwijk and Hessing Supervers' most sustainable Vegetable Fresh Factory at Greenport Venlo to the new distribution center for PLUS in Oss.

Highest standard 

Of particular note is the mechanized distribution center for bol.com in Waalwijk, which meets the highest standard for sustainability and working conditions. Ample daylighting, short walking distances and minimal environmental impact were central during both design and construction. The new building is linked to bol.com's existing 2017 fulfillment center, growing the total size from 50,000
to 100,000 sq. ft. 

Bouwbedrijf van de Ven was awarded the construction work, site design and installation techniques. The Veghel-based contractor also coordinated all of bol.com's subcontractors, who, for example, handled the assembly of conveyor belts and (mechanical) warehouse equipment. 

"In order to properly coordinate structural elements, installation techniques and mechanical design, one of the tools used was a 3D/BIM model," Smits says. "Based on this, a steel structure of 5.6 million kilograms of steel was built in just seven months, including 60,000 m² of hollow-core slab floors. After the building was wind and watertight, the first floor and the pressure layers of the floors were poured, for which a total of 21,750 m³ of concrete was delivered." 

In October 2019, the equipment move-in started. "At peak times, up to 400 men walked on the construction, which demanded good coordination, cooperation and alignment. Thanks to the great efforts of our tradesmen, subcontractors and bol.com, we managed to meet all milestones in accordance with the contractual agreements."

Sustainable

At Greenport Venlo, Bouwbedrijf van de Ven realized Europe's most sustainable Vegetable Fresh Factory, commissioned by Hessing Supervers. "Besides a building with a Technical Department, this project includes the construction of an ultramodern factory of approximately 65,000 m² GFA with 46,000 m² of first floor, 17,500 m² of storey floors and some 45,000 m² of walkable sandwich panel ceilings above which all technology is concealed," Smits said. 

"We signed the construction agreement in March 2021, construction started two weeks later, and in May 2022 the first rooms were delivered to ABB, which was responsible for the process machinery and automation." 

The plant will be completely filled with machinery for the efficient and fast inspection, washing, cutting, mixing and packaging of fruits and vegetables, he says. "We provide the technical connections for this. From (ice) cold and hot water to vacuum lines, compressed air, technical gases, electricity and data." 

Early this year, Hessing began trial runs. In the months that followed, all machines were moved to the new building and connected. By the end of 2023, the new Vegetable Fresh Factory should be fully operational.

A modern DC in just 12 months of construction time

On the Vorstengrafdonk industrial estate in Oss, Bouwbedrijf van de Ven built a modern distribution center of over 46,000 m² for PLUS, with approx. 6,100 m² of office and common areas, 92 loading and unloading doors and a production capacity of 400,000 packages per day. From the design phase, a pleasant working environment was paramount. Therefore, physically demanding processes have been mechanized, daylight flows in everywhere and noise is kept to a minimum. And sustainability also received a lot of attention, Smits says. 

"Also special is the short construction time. After just one year, the DC had to be structurally and installationally ready so that the Witron company could start delivering and installing the warehouse racking and mechanical installation. Including cranes, conveyor belts, elevators, robots, et cetera. In the months that followed, we assembled the last installation technical parts. From electrical and sprinkler lines to light lines. We also completed a few more structural pits, in which Witron could mount its cranes and scaffolding." From the new DC, all 270 PLUS supermarkets in the Netherlands will be delivered from mid-2022.