DC VSH | Zeewolde

Zeewolde: new distribution center for VSH/Aalberts Industries

'We are making this project as a construction team, in a short development and construction time'

"The contractor for the project, Pleijsier Bouw, started preparing the ground for construction after the 2018 construction period," says work planner Bert Groen. "We have a close collaboration with the developer, Borghese Logistics, and the user, VSH, on this project in order to tailor the building to the customer as much as possible. The site totals some 60,000 m² meters in size, the area of the new DC is about 35,000 m² of which 1,400 m² office. Part of the hall is for storage, another part for assembly." An important reason for developer Borghese Logistics and VSH to choose Zeewolde as their location is its good location in the middle of the Netherlands near the A6, A27 and A28 motorways. This new DC for VSH - internationally active as a producer of piping systems for residential, commercial, industrial and shipbuilding construction - is expected to employ 75 people.

First pole driven
Bert Groen says that after the groundwork was completed, the first pile was driven into the ground in week 36. "Pleijsier Bouw does the work in construction team," he says. "We have very short lines of communication with all parties, including the structural engineer and steel builder. That's important because this project has a relatively short development and construction time. Moreover, as parties we mutually know what we have in common. That ensures that we can respond quickly to situations." He notes that construction is on schedule. "The blue steel structure with the sandwich panels is in place - it has been optimized in a way that leads to greater efficiency and cost savings. We are now pouring the super flat floor." There are a total of 34 loading docks and five doors at ground level. "The office will have a high-quality finish, but the exact fill-in is not yet known."     says Green. "We will be discussing that soon. In any case, the intention is to make it a modern and sustainable office."

Breaam certified building
"During construction, the Breeam Very Good certification is the starting point. The construction work, materials used and installations are tailored to this. All products manufactured by VSH itself are used in the new construction. Furthermore, we are working according to the 'Conscious Builder' standard." The building is scheduled for completion in mid-May. Construction is on schedule, Groen makes clear. "At the time we are in the completion phase, the hall is already being furnished and racking is being installed, among other things. That means more lots and more logistical flows. That requires regular consultation and good coordination. But as I said, we specialize in building distribution centers. Every DC and every user may be unique, but through our experience we know how to build a good structure."