Belgian retailer Delhaize has opened a distribution centre in Stara Pazova, in Serbia, investing over €50 million and creating 750 jobs.
The distribution centre has an area of 70,000 m2, with the ability to expand up to 125,000 m2 in the coming years.
It is connected with three key roads and it will have 100 loading and unloading positions able to serve 250 trucks a day.
The distribution centre will be able to process 6,500 pallets per day, or the amount of goods sufficient to supply 450 stores, capable of supporting the growing retail network of the company in the region.
The use of modern building materials will enable greater energy efficiency of the centre, with up to a 15 per cent smaller carbon footprint. Construction work was completed in just 14 months.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, president and CEO of Delhaize Group, Frans Muller, announced the company's three-year plan for Delhaize Serbia foresees significant investments in the modernization of the network, such as the "Tempo", "Maxi" and "Shop and Go" formats.
He stressed that Serbia remains one of the five strategic markets of Delhaize Group in the world, adding, "We want to remain leaders. We intend to RSD 5 billion (€41.5 million) in frozen and fresh products".
The General Director of Delhaize Serbia, John Kyritsis, expressed hope that the €50 million investment will dispel all rumours regarding the company's alleged plans to leave the Serbian market. He stressed the importance of the distribution centre for the approximately 800 suppliers "because their products will be kept in the best conditions", as well as for consumers as they will have "safe products".
Delhaize had 384 stores in Serbia at the end of September, employing 11,000 people. Some 70 to 75 per cent of products on offer come from Serbian suppliers.
