Temperature-controlled DC for VDH in Ridderkerk

The realization of VDH Forwarding & Warehousing's new and state-of-the-art distribution center at Nieuw Reijerwaard business park will soon enter its next phase, from structural work to completion. "The steel structure is ready, the roofing and cladding have progressed to two-thirds, and half of the concrete floors on the ground and second floors have also been poured," says Marijn Gabriëlse, project manager and work planner at Aannemingsbedrijf Fraanje B.V. "The same applies to the first loading pits." The new building should be completed by the end of 2025.

The new distribution center of over 30,000 square meters consists of three floors: a first floor of 21,000 m2, a second floor of 7,800 m2 and a second floor of 1,650 m2. The building is specifically designed for the storage and distribution of AGF fresh produce and will soon provide space for 22 cold rooms, 42 loading docks, 15,000 pallet spaces and several office units. 

Box-in-box

Aannemingsbedrijf Fraanje B.V. is responsible for both construction work, installation techniques and infrastructure work in this project, commissioned by VDH Company. "Whereas most distribution centers involve empty boxes with a sprinkler system and some lighting, this project is being built according to the box-in-box principle," Gabriëlse illustrates. "We are making both an exterior façade and interior façade. The interior construction will be equipped with 22 cold rooms that can be cooled individually and at exactly the right temperatures. This will allow VDH to flexibly adapt its services to the needs of the AGF fresh produce and its customers. There will also be a conditioned logistics hall or cross-dock where the AGF fresh produce can be prepared, loaded and unloaded."

Solid foundation

At the base of the new distribution center is a pile foundation construction with cast-in-place piles and beams, Gabriëlse says. "The foundation piles are vibro-piles. The construction also includes the first floor floors, which are supported by Vibro-SD piles. On top of this we realized a steel structure. The building will be finished with sandwich panel cladding and steel roof panels with roofing. The cold stores are also constructed with sandwich panels. At the level of the offices, curtain walls and composite facade details provide an attractive finishing touch."

Multiple techniques

Biggest challenge is the amount of technology in the distribution center, Gabriëlse said. "Because of the box-in-box principle, we have to install double sprinkler networks. After all, it must be possible to sprinkle both above and below the ceilings. On the roof will be solar panels. In addition, we are dealing with a complex ammonia/CO2 cooling system and the 'standard' electrical and mechanical installations must also be fitted in properly. That makes this project quite complex, which also applies to the planning and construction site."

Preload

"We are dealing with a large property and a relatively small construction site," he points out. "To get ahead of settlement of the foundation, we apply pre-loading. We have applied excessive rubble to the site, so the construction roads are a lot higher than the level of the building. This makes the logistical processes complex. The debris must remain for about a year, until next summer. Then we will start the landscaping of the site, which consists largely of clinker paving, and with which we will dot the 'i' of the new building."