A new distribution centre of 31,000 square metres will arise in the Meppel Noord II industrial zone in Meppel in the coming months. The distribution centre will be used for storage and transfer of FrieslandCampina dairy products intended for the export markets and will offer room for 45,000 pallets. With respect to employment, the distribution centre will provide about 35 jobs and it will, the cooperative says, comply with the most recent requirements in the areas of food safety and fire safety.

FrieslandCampina will store and transfer dairy products coming from its production locations in Beilen and Meppel in this distribution centre. These activities are presently spread over four warehouses in Hoogeveen, Heerenveen, Meppel and Veendam (all in the Netherlands). The decision to build a new distribution centre in Meppel was taken after a period of close consultation between FrieslandCampina, the Municipality of Meppel and District54 Vastgoed. FrieslandCampina will hire the new building after completion of the construction works.

Apart from annual efficiency savings, a substantial reduction of 1.5 million transport kilometres will be achieved, which means a reduction of the emission of CO2 by 648,000 kg. The new building will be certified by BREEAM as ‘very good’, which means that the construction works are performed in a sustainable way using sustainable materials. BREEAM certification is globally the most important and most commonly used sustainability certification for buildings. Here the aspects of management, health, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use, ecology and environment are assessed.