XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of transport and logistics solutions, will launch a new state-of-the-art global distribution centre in the Netherlands in partnership with Danone in the coming months. Danone, a global food company, will use the new distribution centre for its early life and medical nutrition business.

The 56,000-square-metre site will be located next to Danone’s factory in Haps. XPO will operate the facility using automated guided vehicles, layer picking robot technology and XPO Smart data management analytics. Danone’s use of advanced automation will accelerate European distribution and enhance service quality for its specialised nutrition portfolio, which includes products produced at its factory in the Netherlands.

Mauro Ungheretti, managing director – Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, XPO Logistics, said, “We’re proud to help Danone navigate the latest technological advances in logistics with this exciting site. Technology, automation and data science are becoming essential in supply chains. Danone’s commitment to more efficient, greener and safer operations puts them on the leading edge.”

The announcement further affirms XPO and Danone’s joint commitment to invest in the Netherlands with sustainable solutions. The new distribution centre is expected to be operational by the end of 2021, when XPO and Danone will strive for a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) sustainability rating of ‘very good’. The two companies intend to move toward CO2 neutrality at the site in the coming years.