BayWa r.e. is consolidating its position in the solar wholesale business with the opening of a new logistics centre in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône near Marseille, France. The French warehouse is the fourth new opening in Europe since the start of the year, following the opening of warehouses in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Poland.
The warehouse has an area of 5,840 square metres and is strategically located near the seaport "Fos-sur-Mer" in Marseille. Around 10,000 ships are handled there every year and more than 80 million tonnes of goods are transhipped.
“The new logistics centre has been strategically positioned near the port of Marseille, taking into consideration the location of our sister companies in Spain and Italy as part of this decision. The opening is consistent with our expansion plans and strengthens BayWa r.e.’s network in Europe following the opening of warehouses in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Poland this year”, explained Christian Greven, Head of Operations, BayWa r.e. Solar Systems S.à.r.l.
The warehouse will prepare and deliver product orders throughout southern France. Its convenient location makes it possible to supply customers within 24 hours and to offer them comprehensive product availability thanks to the large storage capacity. “From 2022 onwards, we will be able to receive goods from Asia directly via the port of Marseille, which will save a considerable amount of time”, added Julien Chirol, Head of Operations, BayWa r.e. Solar Systems SAS.
The building also houses offices, and a training centre for the novotegra product range will be set up by the end of the summer. In the first phase of development, four employees were hired, and six more are to follow within the next 18 months.
Frank Jessel, Global Director of Solar Trade, added: “We are always seeking ways to improve our logistic and warehousing capabilities to better serve our customers, and we’re delighted to be expanding our team and strengthening our offering in the French region as part of this commitment. Currently, our French solar distribution business team consists of 25 employees, with more to follow soon.”
