Maersk commences operations in first French warehouse
The facility underpins Maersk’s comprehensive logistics offering on the market, with tailored solutions for complex supply chains needs of customers in France.
The 75 000 m2 warehouse, Maersk’s first in France and strategically located in GLP Park Denain (Hauts-de-France), is already operational. It is the latest addition to Maersk’s portfolio of over 40 warehouses and distribution centres in 15 European countries and over 500 such facilities globally.
“This milestone - the opening of this facility in the presence of so many of our important partners – is not just a symbol, but also a commitment to this market, to French customers, and to the community. Our extensive warehousing and distribution network enables us to provide top-notch logistics solutions and ensures that we can meet the needs of our customers wherever they are – now also in France.”
Aymeric Chandavoine, EVP and President Europe at A.P. Moller – Maersk
The location of the warehouse in Hauts-de-France reflects the region’s growing prominence in logistics. The shift towards becoming a logistics hub began in the 1990s and has accelerated in recent years with the development of modern transport infrastructure, including extensive road, rail, and air networks and thanks to the proximity to major European metropolises such as Paris, Brussels, and London. Today, Haut-de-France is recognised as one of the leading logistics centres in Europe thanks to the region's strategic location at the crossroads of major European trade routes.
“Located at the heart of a region recognized as a strategic logistics hub in France and Europe, this new development serves as an economic driver, creating local jobs and opening opportunities for the community. We extend our sincere gratitude to Maersk, the Region, and City Hall for their support and collaboration throughout this project.”
Philippe Graziani, Managing Director, Ares Real Estate
The opening ceremony of Maersk’s warehouse on 23rd April saw a plethora of distinguished guests representing the municipality, the Department Nord and the Region, highlighting the importance of the facility for the local economy and business.
“The establishment of Maersk in Denain represents a major opportunity for the Hauts-de-France region, and for the Porte du Hainaut in particular. This installation marks a historic turning point for Denain, a city with an industrial history, by transforming part of the former Usinor wasteland into a modern logistics hub before welcoming other major companies currently setting up on the rest of this 80-hectare site. Economically, Maersk is synonymous with job creation. Hundreds of positions have been opened, including handlers, order preparers, and forklift operators, with recruitments still ongoing. In summary, Maersk's arrival in Denain constitutes a significant opportunity to decontaminate and repurpose a major industrial wasteland, while also revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs, addressing challenges related to work quality, and adapting to technological advancements in the logistics sector.”
Anne-Lise Dufour-Tonini, Mayor of Denain
The new warehouse, which has received BREEAM Very Good certification, is equipped with 85 doors, has beam height of 11.40 metres, floor load of 5 t/m² and a truck yard of 35 m. The facility has separate circulation for heavy goods and light vehicles and is equipped with Autodocks (automated docking system).