Kering’s on track with plans for its new global logistics hub in Trecate in Northern Italy, which will service demand from its regional warehouses.
The company said the first part of the building has been in operation since March 2020. It noted that phase two of the hub is slated to be operative by the end of the second quarter of 2021. Noting that the hub was built in “record time,” Kering said it covers more than 162,000 square meters (1.7 million square feet), or the equivalent to 20 rugby fields. Currently, over 250 people people are working in the new facility, which is operated by XPO Logistics. The total number of staff at the site is expected to reach 900 by the end of 2022.
“The hub combines state-of-the-art technology and automation, scalability, innovative sustainability and features for the well-being of employees,” Kering said on Thursday. Both the shell and core warehouses and offices will be LEED-certified, and are expected to achieve a Platinum rating, making it the first LEED Platinum certified warehouse in Europe.
Included in the plant will be one of Europe’s largest rooftop solar systems, saving an estimated 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. With photovoltaic panels providing a total of 12.7 MWp on completion of the building, Kering said the industrial complex will be the first in Italy to “produce more energy than it consumes.” The excess electricity will be fed into Italy’s power distribution grid, for use at Kering stores and corporate offices in the country, Kering added.
“We are transforming our worldwide logistics network in Europe, America and Asia to become fully omnichannel, to markedly increase the speed of deliveries to the benefits of our Houses and their clients,” Jean-François Palus, a Kering managing director, said. “This brand new facility is another testament to Kering’s commitment to Italy: the Group is continuing to invest in the country, not only in terms of its artisanal and managerial capabilities, but also its logistics competences and know-how.”
Kering said the new facility, which will meet the demand from regional warehouses, retail stores, wholesalers and e-commerce worldwide, will “significantly increase” the group’s shipping capabilities—up to 80 million pieces per year—and storage ability, at up to 20 million pieces. Lead times are expected to be reduced 50 percent through the increase in the speed of deliveries.