JYSK celebrates start of construction of new distribution center in Lelystad

JYSK has reached an important milestone in the construction of its new distribution center in Lelystad. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the first column was placed, making the 147,000-square-meter, highly automated distribution center visible to the surrounding area for the first time. The new distribution center, which is being built adjacent to the temporary distribution center at Flevokust Haven, promises to be a full-fledged state-of-the-art facility. Construction is being led by general contractor Willy Naessens Netherlands in cooperation with construction company Vrolijk and started last summer.

First column

The start of construction work was festively heralded on Tuesday, November 5, with the placement of the first column. Representatives of JYSK fixed the concrete column together with Alderman Dennis Grimbergen of the municipality of Lelystad. About 150 invited guests, including all employees of the temporary distribution center and Mayor Mieke Baltus of Lelystad, were present to celebrate this important step.

"This is truly a milestone we have all been looking forward to. We can now see the first outlines of what will be a state-of-the-art distribution center. This is not only an important moment in construction, but also a highlight for everyone involved in this project," said Rob Deinum, Project & Technical Manager of JYSK.

"We're really going up now. After the first months of underground work on the foundation, the building is now really visible to everyone. This is a great milestone! Also for the project team working hard on it. Entering a new phase is always an appreciation for all the hard work and good cooperation," says Bas Verbunt, Director of Projects at Willy Naessens Netherlands.

The new distribution center will have two high bays (high-bay warehouses) with a total of 166,000 pallet locations served by 21 cranes and 70,000 box locations in the shuttle warehouse. There will also be 32 inbound and 105 outbound loading docks.

With sustainability in mind

The Danish home furnishings retailer aims to achieve the highest level of international sustainability certification LEED. The site will feature greenery and open water for rainwater harvesting, the office will have a roof garden and the lower parts of the building will have green roofs. Solar panels will generate some of the electricity needed.

JYSK will supply stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Ireland from its new distribution center in Lelystad. Online orders will also soon be shipped directly from the new warehouse, significantly reducing delivery times for customers.

JYSK expects construction to be completed during 2026. The new distribution center in Lelystad will employ more than 250 people.