GLS Germany has started the construction of a new depot in Neumünster, the northernmost locationof the parcel operator in the country.
The new €5 million hub will be built according to ecological standards with the total depot areacovering 31,600 sqm. The 4,000 sqm hall will be equipped with a 2-line conveyor technique enablingthe firm to expand capacity and speed up the handling of 30,000 parcels a day.
The site of Neumünster is beneficial due to its direct connection to the highway and severalmain roads as well as it central location in northern Germany, between Hamburg, Kiel andFlensburg.
The depot responds both to industrial and environmental demands, GLS said. The standard for new ‘ green’ constructions was set by its first ecological depot that was established in Vaihingen-Enz,southeast Germany, in 2008.
“Our goal is to combine efficient and safe parcel handling with a high level of sustainability,”said Klaus Conrad, Managing Director of GLS Germany. While the heat pump heating system reduces CO2emissions, it also saves around 40% of the operating costs at the same time. The main traffic roadswill be asphalted while the remaining floor space will be paved with drip-friendly eco-stones. Thebuilding itself consists mainly of steel and sandwich panels, which can be fully recycled, GLSstressed.
“In addition, the depot can be expanded for further volume growth,” Conrad added. The hub is dueto be completed by the end of February 2011. It is planned to start operating in the beginning ofMay next year.
