Carglass® and Montea inaugurated the start of the works on their ultramodern, multi-modal distribution centre in Bilzen in festive style today and drove in the symbolic first pile of the new building, which will play host to more than 225 workers in the year to come. The first pile was driven in by mayor Frieda Brepoels (N-VA), in the presence of Richard Tyler (Belron), Guido De Paepe (Carglass), Jo De Wolf (Montea) and children of Carglass employees as a symbol of the future-oriented nature of this project. All logistics and distribution activities, which are now spread over four locations in Hasselt and Genk, will be centralised in the brand new and extremely sustainable site.

Ultramodern distribution centre in Bilzen

Montea develops and finances the entire project, which will consist of 41,932 m² of storage space and
2,874 m² of office space. In less than a year, the new construction will be finalized and the first vehicle glasses will be in stock. Carglass® will employ some 225 people there and has announced that it will recruit extra personnel in the near future.

Frieda Brepoels, mayor and also chairwoman of the Board of Directors of De Vlaamse Waterweg, is particularly proud of the centre in Bilzen: “That a company such as Carglass® opts for a second-line water-related site attests to the importance it attaches to sustainability. In so doing the company gives a clear signal that it wants to use inland waterways to transport its containers in the future, so as to be able to reduce its ecological footprint sharply.”

Guido De Paepe, CEO of Carglass® Belgium, is satisfied that the works on the new building are underway. “This first pile is a historical moment and an excellent example of how various parties (Belron/Carglass, Montea, the City of Bilzen, De Vlaamse Waterweg) can cooperate efficiently. The ultramodern site moreover helps Carglass® grow roots in the region.” “We opted deliberately for the location in Bilzen because of the proximity,” adds Richard Tyler, Group Customer Director of Belron. “We want to spare our experienced and professional employees any inconvenience and make it easier for them to move.

Jo De Wolf, CEO of Montea: “Such projects fit perfectly with our philosophy. We are constantly looking for efficient and transparent property solutions for our customers. A flawless, long-term logistics hotspot must also secure well-being in the work environment. So we are particularly delighted to be able to go through with such a large-scale project in Flanders for a successful company like Carglass®.”