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Gembloux: A strategic hub for the global export of vaccines, according to GSK
Gembloux, Belgium, is establishing itself as a crucial hub in the global pharmaceutical logistics landscape with the inauguration of GSK’s new logistics centre, the largest in Wallonia dedicated to the biopharmaceutical sector. Located in the Créalys Park, this 40,000 m2 building marks a significant step in GSK’s expansion and optimization of its vaccine export operations. The BEP has accompanied these investors throughout the process of acquiring the coveted land and obtaining permits: the partner companies have openly confirmed their satisfaction in this regard.
A strategic hub
This new centre is the result of a successful collaboration between GSK Belgium, MG Real Estate and Yusen Logistics. It is strategically located to efficiently serve 160 countries around the world. Thanks to its impressive capabilities, in particular its ability to store up to 42,000 pallets and its 7,000 m2 cold room for vaccines, Gembloux is becoming a key hub in the global distribution of pharmaceutical products, based on fully automated processes for road and ocean transport.
The inauguration was attended by the Vice President of the Walloon government, the Minister for the Economy and Research, Mr Willy Borsus, and the Japanese ambassador to Belgium, Masahiro Mikami.
This new logistics centre, which has been named the Yusen Logistics Distribution Centre, is the largest in Wallonia and the global GSK network. Following positive results from the recent inspection by the Belgian health authorities, which are a result of the hard work of the teams there, the centre will be operational by the first week of July.
The centre is worth €50 million, and can accommodate up to 42,000 pallets. These can be stored at different temperatures, depending on what is needed, thanks to the 7,000 m² cold room and the 700 m² freezer compartment. State-of-the-art technologies, such as autonomous mobile robots, automated packaging systems, self-driving vehicles and sorting devices, will help to effectively manage raw materials and distribute GSK vaccines to more than 160 countries. As a result, one million doses of vaccines will be exported every day.
Although goods will continue to be loaded and unloaded manually, employees’ work will be facilitated by the implementation of a goods-to-person process, which will see goods collected automatically by robots, without employees having to move. High-capacity shuttle devices, automated packaging systems and sorting machines will also be used.
The centre has been designed with the strictest respect for environmental sustainability standards, and will be certified ‘excellent’ in accordance with the BREEAM standard (or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), a method used to assess the environmental performance of buildings and the standard for the construction of a sustainable building. It will be powered entirely by green energy, in particular solar panels that cover the entirety of the building. This will contribute to GSK’s goal of operating entirely with renewable electricity by 2025, and having a net positive impact on the environment by 2030.
Automated processes for road and ocean transport, as well as semi-automated preparation for air transport, will ensure reduced delivery times and greater flexibility to respond to the needs of patients around the world.
‘This new logistics centre will revolutionise our ability to store and export millions of vaccines around the world. It will allow us to distribute them to over 160 countries more rapidly, while reducing our emissions by almost 10,000 tons of CO2, by simply centralising multiple activities in a single location. This major project also demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the biopharmaceutical ecosystem in Belgium, and positioning Wallonia as a leader in terms of logistics. ’
Emmanuel Amory, Managing Director of GSK Belgium
Technological innovation and sustainability
Indeed, the logistics centre incorporates state-of-the-art technology, such as autonomous mobile robots and automated packaging systems. This optimises operational efficiency and reduces dependence on human resources for repetitive and heavy tasks. The deliberate choice to automate certain processes aims to ensure reduced delivery times and increased flexibility to meet the needs of patients around the world.
Furthermore, the centre is powered entirely by green energy, thanks to solar panels on the roof. This supports GSK’s commitment to achievement a net positive environmental impact by the year 2030.
Economic and social impact
The opening of this logistics centre not only represents a major step forward for GSK, the leading pharmaceutical company in Belgium, but also reinforces the economic importance of the Gembloux region. This initiative will employ 70 people directly, and indirectly support jobs in a number of related sectors, demonstrating GSK’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in the region.
Future outlook
With operational capacity available since the beginning of July 2024, the logistics centre in Gembloux promises to play a key role in the global distribution of vaccines, reinforcing Belgium’s reputation as a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry. By investing in world-class infrastructure and sustainable practices, GSK is positioning itself as a pioneer in terms of innovation and environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the GSK logistics centre in Gembloux marks a major milestone in the optimisation of global pharmaceutical supply chains, and confirms Belgium’s position as a key player in the global fight for public health.
The largest pharmaceutical warehouse in Wallonia inaugurated in Isnes (canalzoom.be)
