A new logistics hub that will enable BayWa r.e. to improve its services to Benelux and French solar installers, has now opened and is fully operational.
The 4,000m² site was built in Hosingen, Luxemburg and is 40 per cent larger than the previous facility. It is the first phase of a new logistics strategy, which will see the construction of two further logistics centers. The first will be opened in the Netherlands towards the end of the first quarter of 2021, with the following logistic center opening in the second quarter in France.
The strategy will boost the distribution network and mean solar PV installers can expect an even better service from the company.
“We will have room for considerably greater stock levels which means more choice and product availability, faster turnaround and better all-round service,” said Christian Greven, Head of Supply Chain, BayWa r.e. Solar Systems S.à r.l.
“The improved logistics, picking and packing process will make the whole process more efficient, giving a better experience for our Benelux and French customers. As we are seeing strong growth in these regions, the warehouse expansion and system improvements are very timely, and will enable us to respond in a fast and flexible way to all our customers’ installation needs.”
A key role of the new warehouse is to provide fast handling of any online orders and the warehouse processes work seamlessly with the new online web shop, which is currently being rolled out. The new web shop will create a simple and effective way to plan and purchase systems for installers and customers.
The low energy warehouse has electric vehicle charging points and 685 solar panels installed on its roof, covering the entire roof space. The panels produce enough electricity to meet all of the hub’s energy needs making it carbon neutral.
BayWa r.e. used the solar installation as a training opportunity and employees undertook instruction to help install the solar equipment – offering them a hands-on opportunity to learn the ins and outs of BayWa r.e.’s very own novotegra, solar mounting system.
“We will also be including an on-site training facility for installers to attend workshops where they will have the chance to try out different systems and equipment,” added Thomas Lechat, Managing Director, BayWa r.e. Solar Systems S.à r.l. “This is about us adding value to our customers and helping them to be better placed to give their own customers advice on which products and systems will work for them.”
“The new warehouse comes at the perfect time as we’ve had a very successful couple of years. Last year alone we distributed over 1,2 million solar modules and more than 55,000 inverters. Furthermore, we are happy that we have managed to fully support our customers throughout the new challenges that Covid-19 has brought with the new web shop and improved logistics played a key role in this.”
In addition to this, the new warehouse will also house the assembly hall for the inverter mounting solutions such as the BayWa r.e. inverter shelter.
When combined with BayWa r.e. Solar Systems S.à r.l existing warehouses in Belgium and the Netherlands, it creates a total of 20,000 sqm of storage capacity across the region.
