The construction of a new distribution centre in Herentals supports the ambitious growth plans Lidl has in Belgium. At a rate of six store openings per year, the German chain wants to add eighty Belgian stores by 2038.
Sustainable building
The new distribution centre measures 43,000 sqm and is built next to the E313 motorway (Antwerp-Liège). From early 2027, Lidl will supply supermarkets in the wide region around Antwerp from here. The retailer is investing 122 million euros in the project, which is being built to the highest international standard for sustainable buildings (BREEAM Outstanding).
The residual heat from industrial cooling, for example, will provide heating for the offices. On the roof of the warehouse will be one megawatt of solar panels, which will also power the extensive charging infrastructure for electric cars and bikes.
The new warehouse is needed in view of the discounter’s expansion plans: Lidl plans to open eighty additional stores by 2038, meaning an average of more than six new branches a year. Today, the chain has 302 stores in Belgium.
