Maersk has begun outbound operations at a new 71,800 sq m logistics centre in Herleshausen, Germany, adding substantial capacity to its European contract logistics network.
The facility is located within Panattoni Park Bad Hersfeld Ost in the state of Hesse. Goods have been arriving at the site since August. Outbound operations have now started with distribution to German and other delivery centres for an online retailer.
The development gives Maersk a centrally located hub with direct access to one of Germany’s principal east-west transport corridors, supporting domestic distribution as well as movements into neighbouring European markets.
Capacity for contract logistics
Maersk has taken the facility on a long-term lease. Of its 71,800 sq m total logistics space, approximately 62,800 sq m is allocated to warehousing. Alongside this is 2,900 sq m of offices and a 6,100 sq m mezzanine.
The site is positioned directly beside the A4 motorway, an important factor for customers requiring onward road distribution across Germany and Central Europe.
Around 150 people are currently employed at Herleshausen, with recruitment continuing. Maersk expects the operation to provide between 300 and 400 permanent jobs once fully ramped up. During the October-to-December online retail peak, employment could rise to as many as 1,000 people.
Environmental measures incorporated into the development include solar panels, rainwater collection and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The warehouse is also targeting DGNB Gold certification.
European warehousing network expands
Herleshausen’s motorway access gives the operator a base capable of supporting both high-volume German distribution and cross-border flows. Meanwhile, the planned increase in staffing during peak periods indicates that the facility has been configured with seasonal volume fluctuations in mind.
The investment also illustrates Maersk’s continuing expansion beyond its traditional ocean freight operations. Warehousing and inland distribution capacity have become increasingly important components of its strategy to manage a greater proportion of customers’ end-to-end supply chains.
