Movianto, Nearly Doubles Storage Capacity in Belgian Aalst

Growing demand despite of general economic weakness
Expansion of temperature-controlled pallets capacity from 14,000 to 25,000 positions
New dedicated areas for hazardous goods and narcotics, with options to combine clinical trial logistics and GMP*1 licensed services
Compliant with GDP*2, ISO*3 and TAPA*4 standards
Bonded warehouse status enables duty free storage for goods in transit
Sustainability features include photovoltaics, LED lighting, heat pumps and rainwater reuse

Movianto, part of Yusen Logistics and specializing in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, has significantly expanded its facility in Aalst, Belgium. Temperature-controlled pallet storage capacity has nearly doubled from 14,000 to 25,000. The newly extended site, which is now fully operational, increases space for pharmaceutical and medical products across ambient (15-25?C), refrigerated (2-8?C), frozen (-20?C), and ultra-cold (-80?C) temperature ranges.

The expansion addresses growing demand for specialized healthcare supply chain services even amid a challenging economic climate. "Despite broader economic headwinds, demand for our specialized healthcare solutions continues to grow," said Bruno Jacques, Deputy Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare. "This growth is driven by two factors: our strong pharmaceutical focus, which allows customers to choose services ranging from storage to full order to cash solutions, and a growing preference for integrated supply chain models that combine warehousing with international freight forwarding by rail, air and ocean."

Bruno Jacques, Deputy Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare These integrated capabilities, long established within Movianto, have been further strengthened since the company became part of Yusen Logistics last year.

The expansion supports Yusen Logistics' strategy to build global, industry focused supply chain solutions, with pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics positioned as one of its core verticals alongside aerospace, automotive, food, retail and technology. The expanded Aalst site went live this month following inspection by the relevant authorities. The multi user warehouse complies with EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements for medicinal products and meets the stringent security standards of TAPA, alongside ISO quality certifications. "This is one of the most demanding certification frameworks in the industry," said Leen Michiels, Site Manager, Movianto in Aalst. "It goes well beyond standard ISO 9001 requirements and includes measures such as video surveillance, full perimeter fencing and controlled access."

The expansion also strengthens Movianto's specialist service offering and supports workforce growth at the Aalst site. Dedicated new areas have been added for hazardous goods and narcotics, responding to rising customer demand, while the local team will increase from around 100 to 150 employees. The hazardous goods zone provides 576 pallet positions within a controlled 15-25?C environment and is equipped with in rack sprinklers on every level.

Leen Michiels, Site Manager, Movianto in Aalst

Aalst as a gateway to Europe - and a Bonded Transit Hub Bruno Jacques added: "Like our Belgian site in Houdeng Goegnies, Aalst is playing an increasingly important role in international healthcare supply chains. Non European customers use Belgium as a strategic gateway to Europe, while the site also serves as a transit hub for global logistics flows--allowing customers to route goods efficiently to both EU and non EU destinations."
Licensed as a bonded warehouse, the Aalst site allows goods in transit to be stored duty free and provides customs clearance for EU imports and exports.

The expansion also enables customers to combine additional storage capacity with specialist services, including clinical trial logistics and GMP licensed activities such as secondary packaging and country specific adaptations, including leaflet changes. Sustainability Built into Daily Operations To support efficient and environmentally responsible operations, Movianto's Aalst site integrates a range of sustainability measures into both the original facility and its expansion.

A rooftop photovoltaic system will supply around 50% of the site's projected electricity demand, up from 30% previously. Heating and cooling of the ambient warehouse are provided by a heat pump. The cool warehouse is using natural CO2 as refrigerant, which is non toxic and non flammable.

Energy consumption is further reduced through high efficiency LED lights and motion-activated lighting, while rainwater harvesting supports non potable uses such as toilet flushing. To minimize land sealing, all parking areas are surfaced with permeable paving, allowing rainwater to drain naturally. The Aalst expansion underscores Movianto's long term commitment to pharmaceutical logistics in Belgium and Yusen Logistics' strategy to build integrated, compliant healthcare supply chain solutions worldwide.

Moments from this month Opening Ceremony in Aalst *1 GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) means regulatory standards that ensure medicinal products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality requirements. *2 GDP (Good Distribution Practice), is an EU regulatory framework that sets quality and safety standards for the storage and distribution of medicinal products throughout the supply chain.

*3 ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, which define internationally recognized requirements for quality management and operational consistency.

*4 TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association): the worldwide shippers' organization defines highest security requirements to protect high-value and sensitive goods throughout the supply chain.

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