Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics providers in end-to-end logistics, has come a long way since its foundation in 1890. What started as a local sea logistics forwarder between the German towns of Bremen and Hamburg has gradually grown into a worldwide transport and logistics group active in sea, air, road and contract logistics, with a clear focus on integrated solutions. 

Fast forward to 2021 and the Kuehne+Nagel Group has some 1,395 offices in over 100 countries serving over 400,000 customers. In Flanders, the company employs more than 1,000 employees at various sites, most of which are located in the province of Antwerp (Antwerp, Kontich, Mechelen, Geel and Eindhout). In addition, the provinces of Limburg (Tessenderlo, Wellen), Flemish Brabant (Machelen, Kampenhout) and West Flanders (Ostend) have their fair share of Kuehne+Nagel sites as well. 

According to Tobias Jerschke, Kuehne+Nagel’s entrepreneurial culture and future-ready ownership structure have the advantage of being able to respond immediately to market opportunities and client needs. “Our short-term agility and strategic long-term planning are essential assets in satisfying the needs of our customers.”

The entrepreneurial mindset of the early days is still strongly present within the group’s corporate culture. Both making headlines in 2020, Kuehne+Nagel’s investment projects in Machelen and Tessenderlo – two towns in Flanders – are perfect examples of the company’s cross-EU integrated development. 

“At our new European distribution center in Tessenderlo we offer a complex combination of B2B and B2C e-fulfillment solutions,” says Gerry Bosmans, director of Contract Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel BeNeLux. “In a fast-paced environment, technological innovation and long-term flexible partnerships are key,” Bosmans continues. “Companies are increasingly looking for a logistics partner dedicated to continuously creating value in a constantly changing environment, resulting in great opportunities for our sector.” 

“We offer something truly special at Brucargo in Machelen,” adds Tobias Jerschke. “As new pharmaceutical and healthcare products, including vaccines, tend to be more temperature-sensitive, we decided to invest heavily in a particularly complex pharma cell with several temperature zones.” 

Consisting of 16,000 m² of storage space, the Machelen facility is the perfect addition to Kuehne+Nagel’s recently expanded Contract Logistics pharma warehousing facility in Geel (Flanders), as well as to the pan-European Kuehne+Nagel PharmaChain Road Logistics Network. Geert Torfs, air logistics director at Kuehne+Nagel BeLux: “This building puts us right where we want to be: next to the tarmac, in the heart of Europe and ready for the future.” In addition, there is a three-floor office facility there, including a large training center equipped with the latest connectivity tools.”

“Flanders is in a perfect location for e-commerce and logistics,” adds Gerry Bosmans. “The region offers major logistics potential, not in the least thanks to the Port of Antwerp. In addition, it boasts excellent inland waterway infrastructure and connections to other European countries via motorways. Flanders’ potential is sometimes overlooked, but when it comes to e-commerce, our customers are always pleasantly surprised when they discover the region’s assets.” 

Tobias Jerschke agrees with his colleague and even takes it one step further: “Flanders offers a flexible labor framework. In fact, we first sell the region to our customers, and then our Kuehne+Nagel expertise. We’ve looked at other European locations, but mostly chose to stay in Flanders in the end. In terms of logistics, we have everything we need close at hand. There is room to expand even more, so why stop now?”

The new European distribution center in Tessenderlo came with a EUR 75-million price tag, measuring 40,000 m² in size and creating 350 extra jobs. In the future, the building will be extended to 75,000 m², which will generate an additional 600 jobs.

What’s more, the new facilities are only the first step in the expansion of Kuehne+Nagel BeLux. Both its sites at Brussels Airport and in Tessenderlo continue to develop. To top it all off, the two investments earned Kuehne+Nagel the Foreign Investment of the Year Trophy presented by Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) in 2021. 

Learn more about setting up logistics activities in Flanders.