Movianto Expands Capacity at Aalast, Belgium Facility

Editor’s Take: Demand for specialized healthcare supply chain services continues to grow, even amid a challenging economic climate. Learn more about the current state of cold chain logistics in the pharma manufacturing industry.

Movianto, a Yusen Logistics company specializing in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, has expanded its facility in Aalst, Belgium, nearly doubling temperature-controlled pallet storage capacity from 14,000 to 25,000.

The newly extended site, which is now fully operational, increases space for pharmaceutical and medical products across ambient (15–25°C), refrigerated (2–8°C), frozen (–20°C), and ultra-cold (–80°C) temperature ranges.

“Despite broader economic headwinds, demand for our specialized healthcare solutions continues to grow,” said Bruno Jacques, Deputy Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare. “This growth is driven by two factors: our strong pharmaceutical focus, which allows customers to choose services ranging from storage to full order to cash solutions, and a growing preference for integrated supply chain models that combine warehousing with international freight forwarding by rail, air and ocean.”

The expansion supports Yusen Logistics’ strategy to build global, industry-focused supply chain solutions, with pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics positioned as one of its core verticals alongside aerospace, automotive, food, retail and technology.

The expanded Aalst site went live this month following inspection by the relevant authorities. The multi user warehouse complies with EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements for medicinal products and meets the stringent security standards of TAPA, alongside ISO quality certifications.

The expansion also strengthens Movianto’s specialist service offering and supports workforce growth at the Aalst site. Dedicated new areas have been added for hazardous goods and narcotics, responding to rising customer demand, while the local team will increase from around 100 to 150 employees. The hazardous goods zone provides 576 pallet positions within a controlled 15–25°C environment and is equipped with in rack sprinklers on every level.

Sustainability Built into Daily Operations

To support efficient and environmentally responsible operations, Movianto’s Aalst site integrates a range of sustainability measures into both the original facility and its expansion.

A rooftop photovoltaic system will supply around 50% of the site’s projected electricity demand, up from 30% previously. Heating and cooling of the ambient warehouse are provided by a heat pump. The cool warehouse is using natural CO₂ as refrigerant, which is nontoxic and non-flammable. Energy consumption is further reduced through high efficiency LED lights and motion-activated lighting, while rainwater harvesting supports non potable uses such as toilet flushing. To minimize land sealing, all parking areas are surfaced with permeable paving, allowing rainwater to drain naturally.