Anything to meet the planned construction time

Engineering and building at the same time

In the past twenty years, the number of distribution centers doubled. In the process, the dimensions are becoming larger and the technology more advanced. Van Hees joined this development from the first moment and therefore has broad experience in the installation of DCs. It can also cope excellently with the short execution times, the installation package and the wishes of clients and tenants.

"Thanks to the many distribution centers on our reference list, we know that every distribution center is different," said John van Eck, Manager of Projects, Service and Maintenance at Van Hees. "At the same time, the realization of DCs shows great similarities. For example, the pace at which DCs are realized is standard. For an average utility project of similar size there is an execution time of one and a half years, while the average DC is realized in eight to nine months. Yet Van Hees can keep up with this high pace."

Permanent teams

Part of the secret lies in the permanent teams. "Our regular subcontractors and suppliers know before 70% what to expect. As a result, everyone can handle having the engineering and execution phases intermingled," Van Eck said. "Whereas we used to choose to enter the execution phase only after completing the engineering and testing phases, nowadays we go through these phases simultaneously. Yet this only results in successful testing and inspections."

DC PLUS Deventer: a cooling plant of stature

This is how PLUS Supermarkets is realizing a brand new distribution center in Deventer. The new DC is part of a cleverly designed distribution network for PLUS. From the DC in Deventer, PLUS will soon be able to supply a large proportion of the supermarkets with fresh products on a daily basis. The new distribution center comprises 77,000 m². It has been developed by HBC (a collaboration between HVBM Vastgoed and Bruil Bouw Groep) and will be realized at A1 Bedrijvenpark West in Deventer. Considering the storage of fresh products, the building will be equipped with a large refrigerated hall, partly 14 meters high, partly 20 meters high. With more than a hundred dock doors and a two-level parking garage, five transformers are needed to provide electricity for the whole facility. An average DC has one or two.

The designs

In addition to the huge refrigeration system, the customer has chosen an access control system, sound system, camera system, data system and intrusion system, Van Eck says. "Our engineers are currently making the designs of these. Given the large number of docks, a lot of equipment also needs to be designed for loading and unloading."

Tight planning

Planning is a challenge. "The enormous dimensions do play a role in this. The distances on the construction site are long, the heights enormous and numbers are necessarily large. Our people and materials are ready and available. We are doing everything possible to make the planned deadline of Feb. 24, 2024 feasible, and for now we are right on schedule."

Maintenance contracts

"Once the project is handed over to the landlord and tenant in full satisfaction, we offer attractive maintenance contracts," Van Eck said. "With a maintenance contract, the client does not have to worry about his installations for the period of 10 to 15 years. We monitor the condition of the installations, take action if the client wants to change something and are available 24/7 for breakdowns, including evenings and weekends. If required, Van Hees can also draw up a multi-year maintenance plan for the installations so that the installations always remain in optimal condition, at lower maintenance costs."

With this extensive experience, DC installations are in reliable hands at Van Hees. "Our people share their experience and come up with the best solutions together with you."