DC Mainfright | Zaltbommel

In the geographical heart of the Netherlands

A premises to best serve the customer

Geographically, Zaltbommel is among the most favorable entrepreneurial locations in the Netherlands. The place is centrally located in the country and has excellent access to major Dutch arterial roads. Yet property developer Somerset Capital Partners had not had the place on its radar for some time. "There was never any land available in Zaltbommel," says Tim Beckmann, partner of Somerset Capital Partners. But when it came to her attention that the municipality was in the process of issuing new land, she was the first to convey her interest and did so on behalf of her client Mainfreight. 

Special challenge
Mainfreight itself was also looking for a suitable location at that time, but in other regions. Yet it too immediately saw the advantages of a branch in Zaltbommel. Although this did present a special challenge. "Mainfreight had just won a major customer," Beckmann explains. "A customer whose product range included spray cans. And now let those fall under the heading 'Hazardous Substances' and thus outside the zoning plan of industrial park 'De Wildeman'." This prompted Somerset Capital Partners to request an amendment to the zoning plan, which was ultimately adopted without objection. Since the building permit was issued earlier, Somerset was already  started construction work.

Build to suit
Beckmann: "In total, we have purchased 17 hectares of land at De Wildeman on which a total of some 90,000 m² of logistics business space can be developed. Of this, 50,000 m² is earmarked for Mainfreight. 

When fitting out acquired land, we take a customer-oriented approach. Under the motto "Build to suit," the properties are built to serve our client in the best possible way. But looking over the shoulders of the designers are specialists who monitor that the premises remain generic. It must remain suitable for general logistics. For example, there must be maneuvering room, parking space and security. Should Mainfreight terminate the partnership, the building can be made suitable for another logistics service provider relatively easily."

(Image: Lisette van de Pavoordt)

Divided into phases
Meanwhile, the mediation process has been completed and construction is underway. The finishing touches are being put on the offices, after which phase 1 will be completed around mid-March. "We divided phase 1 into two parts," Beckmann concludes. "Mainfreight wanted to support its new customer as quickly as possible. For this reason, part of phase 1 was already completed in December 2018. The second half of phase 1 is now in
the phase-out stage."