en.Wedoany.com Reported - Movianto, a Yusen Logistics company specializing in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, has significantly expanded its facility in Aalst, Belgium. Temperature-controlled pallet storage capacity has nearly doubled, increasing from 14,000 to 25,000 pallets. The newly expanded site is now fully operational, adding storage space for pharmaceutical and medical products in ambient temperature zones (15–25°C), cold storage zones (2–8°C), frozen zones (–20°C), and ultra-low temperature zones (–80°C).
"Despite broader economic headwinds, demand for our specialized healthcare solutions continues to grow," said Bruno Jacques, Deputy General Manager of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare. He explained that this growth is driven by two factors: the company's strong pharmaceutical focus, enabling clients to choose services ranging from warehousing to complete order-to-cash solutions; and an increasing preference among clients for integrated supply chain models that combine warehousing with international rail, air, and sea freight forwarding.
These integrated capabilities have long been established within Movianto and were further strengthened after the company became part of Yusen Logistics last year. This expansion supports Yusen Logistics' strategy of building global, industry-focused supply chain solutions, with pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics positioned as a core vertical alongside aerospace, automotive, food, retail, and technology.
The expanded Aalst site became operational this month after passing inspections by relevant authorities. This multi-user warehouse complies with EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements for pharmaceuticals and meets the stringent security standards of the Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA) as well as ISO quality certifications. "This is one of the most demanding certification frameworks in the industry," said Leen Michiels, Site Manager of Movianto Aalst. "It goes far beyond standard ISO 9001 requirements, including measures such as video surveillance, full perimeter fencing, and access control."
The expansion has also strengthened Movianto's specialized service capabilities and supported workforce growth at the Aalst site. New dedicated areas for hazardous goods and narcotics have been added in response to growing customer demand. The local team will increase from approximately 100 to 150 employees. The hazardous goods area provides 576 pallet positions in a controlled 15–25°C environment, with built-in rack sprinkler systems at each level.
Bruno Jacques added, "Like our site in Houdeng Goegnies, Belgium, Aalst is playing an increasingly important role in the international healthcare supply chain. Non-European clients see Belgium as a strategic gateway into Europe, while the site also serves as a transit hub for global logistics flows—enabling clients to efficiently move goods to both EU and non-EU destinations." The Aalst site holds a bonded warehouse license, allowing duty-free storage of goods in transit, and offers EU import and export customs clearance services. The expansion also enables clients to combine additional storage capacity with specialized services, including clinical trial logistics and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-licensed activities such as secondary packaging and country-specific adaptations (including leaflet changes).
To drive efficient and environmentally responsible operations, Movianto has incorporated a range of sustainability measures into both the existing facility and the expansion at the Aalst site. A rooftop photovoltaic system will meet approximately 50% of the site's projected electricity demand, up from 30% previously. Heating and cooling for the ambient temperature warehouse are provided by heat pumps. Cold storage uses natural carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, which is non-toxic and non-flammable. Energy consumption is further reduced through efficient LED lighting and motion sensors, while rainwater harvesting supports non-potable water uses. All parking areas feature permeable paving to allow natural rainwater infiltration.
The expansion in Aalst underscores Movianto's long-term commitment to pharmaceutical logistics in Belgium and Yusen Logistics' strategy of building integrated, compliant healthcare supply chain solutions globally.
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