New DC complete from precast concrete

When building a distribution center, the law of large numbers usually applies. So too with the new DHG Smartlog 9 in Rotterdam's Botlek with a total of just under 50,000 m² of floor space. To keep up the (construction) pace, contractor Goldbeck deliberately opted for extensive prefabrication. As a total supplier of precast concrete elements, Preco supplied the complete concrete shell for the new distribution center.

Smartlog Rotterdam 9 is located at a location unique to the port of Rotterdam on Boyneweg 3-11 in the Botlek area. The Botlek area is a hub of many supra-regional activities with hinterland connections by rail, road and water. "Following Smartlog Rotterdam 8, we also provided the complete concrete shell for number 9," says Stefan Jongewaard, project manager at Preco. "It is a similar project for us where we were basically allowed to supply our complete range of precast concrete elements. This project shows what we have to offer; everything comes together here and that is equally our strength. We are one of the few in the Netherlands that can produce everything under one roof."

The new distribution center consists of 40,921 sq. m. of warehouse, 3,445 sq. m. of mezzanine, 1,828 sq. m. of office space, plus another approximately 4,000 sq. m. of outdoor area. "We supplied the columns, beams, hollow core slabs, loading pits, gable walls, interior walls, stairs and landings for this," lists Jongewaard. "The building is split in two by means of a firewall that we also produced here in our Apeldoorn factory, as well as the insulated hollow-core slabs for the first floor. Because we prepared the complete concrete shell prefabricated, it was a matter of assembling it on site." Preco carried out the project on behalf of Goldbeck, a company originally from Germany that is spreading its wings across Europe. "We regularly work for the Dutch branch and since last year have also been called in by the parent company for projects in Germany."

To keep up with the fast pace of construction, Preco began producing the first batch of concrete elements as early as October 2022. "We produced all parts in-house and didn't have to outsource anything at all, even though we were simultaneously commissioning another distribution center from Goldbeck." When asked about the challenges in this project, Jongewaard gives as an example the "straight calculation" of the high loads on the sloping channel plates in the offices and mezzanine. "But it was still mainly a logistical challenge. It is a huge building, while space on the construction site is limited. For that reason, we had to increase the storage capacity at our Apeldoorn plant so that we could deliver on demand. And that went smoothly, thanks also to the fine cooperation with the team at Goldbeck." At the end of April, Preco delivered the last precast concrete elements.