The central European distribution center for Janssen medicines is located in La Louvière. Right in the middle of an industrial area, between a canal and a motorway. So the trucks that arrive and leave the area do not bother anyone. Yet, at the same time, the center boosts local employment opportunities while limiting its ecological footprint on the environment.
For the Belgian economy, this distribution headquarters from J&J is a boon. Immediately upon its opening, the center in La Louvière created a good number of jobs. A small J&J management team now takes care of the daily administration and by the end of 2014, logistics company CEVA 110 will be hiring executive employees. That should bring the total number of jobs provided by the 3 Belgian distribution centers (in Beerse, Courcelles and La Louvière) up to 700.
Ecological certificate within reach
The environment is also a concern for the head of the center, Distribution Director Luc Peeters: “Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our company culture. We were therefore very keen on obtaining a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design- or LEED certificate for our center in La Louvière. By now, of course, we have one.”
The list of ecological measures taken is impressive. The stone and the pipework for the construction come from the area around La Louvière. The center was fitted with high-quality insulation and heat pumps, solar panels and a building management system. In areas where there is no movement, the lights turn off automatically, and, where and when it is possible, the employees do their work under natural light.
Carpooling is also highly encouraged. The management made sure that a bus stop was built close to the site, and the center is located just a stone’s throw from its largest sales markets, France and Germany. Luc: “Our deliveries do not have to pass by any busy metropolises like Brussels or Antwerp. So no traffic jams, just a guarantee of prompt service for our customers.”
The choice of La Louvière was anything but random.”
Walloon climate for logistical investments
“The choice of La Louvière was anything but random”, concludes Senior Director of Distribution Hubs & Major Projects Manuella Wilts. “Moreover, the Walloon region is known to be a strong logistics region. A title that the region has to thank on its well-developed motorway network and proximity to airports, on the employability of its workforce and on the investment subsidy for distribution activities in the region.”
Luc also emphasizes the beneficial effect on customer satisfaction: “Admittedly, La Louvière is a bit of a drive from Beerse or Geel, but, in fact, the distance from the production location to the distribution center is of secondary importance. What is crucial, on the other hand, it that we lose no time during the delivery of medicines to customers and patients. And in that respect, the center in La Louvière is ideally located.”