European e-retailer Zalando to build new FCs in Poland; create 4K jobs

The fulfilment centre in Bydgoszcz will have a total area of 140,000 sqm, including office facilities. This site alone will create up to 3,500 jobs in the long term. The opening of the facility is planned for the second quarter of 2023. The fulfilment centre in Biale Blota, which is already under construction, will occupy more than 100,000 sqm and provide additional warehouse space. At this site, around 800 jobs will be created. Its opening is scheduled for March 2022, the company said in a media release.

The fulfilment centres will make use of pro-ecological solutions, such as enhanced building thermal insulation, charging stations for electric cars, and rainwater collection and redistribution in accordance with the BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’.

Bydgoszcz and the surrounding area were chosen for the new fulfilment centres because of their proximity for Polish customers and other nearby markets. The region also has high labour potential and proximity to other Zalando sites in Poland, which will allow for projects to be coordinated smoothly.

Along with the construction of new sites, additional investments are being planned in consultation with local authorities, including infrastructure renovation and building of new roads near the Zalando’s sites.

“For the first time we will have two sites in one city, which is unique to our logistics network and will provide us with the opportunity to unlock new potential in how to set up successfully collaborating teams for an even better convenience proposition for our customers,” said Martin Rost, senior vice president Offprice at Zalando.

Fulfilment centres in Bydgoszcz and Biale Blota are further investments by Zalando into Poland in addition to the facilities in Gryfino (Szczecin), Olsztynek and Gluchów (Lódz).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)