New Study names Belgium Top Logistics Hub
A new survey ranks Belgium first of sixteen major European countries for logistics and distribution, citing the area’s central location, low costs and good accessibility. (3/21/2002)
The European Distribution Report by Healey & Baker, part of Cushman & Wakefield, evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each country based on several indicators, including costs of land and labor; road, rail, air and sea access; population density; geographic access; and land supply. The overall ranking that gives Belgium its number one status is calculated using a simple weighting system.
Belgium is positioned within 300 miles of 60% of Europe’s purchasing power, offers low occupancy and building costs and boasts some of the best road and rail density in Europe. In addition, the country’s northern region of Flanders is home to four ports, including Antwerp, which combines high worker productivity with the lowest handling costs per container of any other port in Europe.
The logistics industry is facing a number of key issues, including consolidation, increased sharing of logistics operations and a need for greater flexibility. Based on this trend, the report predicts an increase in pan-European trade, with demand focusing on well-located distribution centers. Further, it says increased road congestion will also lead to a stronger emphasis on rail transport. As a result, hubs like Belgium that offer integrated transportation facilities are likely to prosper.
“The European Distribution Report confirms Belgium’s strength as a distribution center and companies with these operations in Belgium can gain a significant competitive advantage,” said Luc Fabry of the Flanders Foreign Investment Office. “In fact, dozens of companies from around the world have major logistics and distribution operations in the region.”
Among the multinational companies with such facilities in Flanders are global packaging company DHL; automotive firms including DaimlerChrysler, Honda, Toyota, Isuzu, Komatsu and Hyundai; specialist suppliers like Caterpilar, Federal Mogul, Furness Logistics and New Wave Logistics; and businesses such as Bose Corporation, Duracell, Nike and Staples.
Author:Newsdesk, eyefortransport.com
