Portugal expansion

Norbert Dentressangle is investing in two new sites in Lisbon and Porto to manage its growth in the area and strengthen its 'Red Europe' project.

The transport and logistics operator, which specialises in transportation, distribution and logistics services, has recently opened two new facilities in Lisbon and Porto that total over 13,000 sq m and feature 44 loading bays.

Both centres feature the latest technology and are constructed to optimise distribution and cross-docking operations. The move strengthens the company's presence in Portugal and demonstrates its commitment to the market. 

Likewise, they fit perfectly with the Red Europe project, a network of European connections across supply chain operations that enable it to offer a regular pallet distribution service in 17 countries throughout Europe.

The new sites are part of a five-year investment plan that has seen Norbert Dentressangle modernise 22 distribution centres in the Iberian Peninsula. The high pace of expansion experienced by the pallet network service, which has an annual turnover of €75 million, has seen the company invest in major improvements across all sites to ensure high levels of customer service are maintained and to manage anticipated growth in the coming years.

In the first quarter of 2010, the volume of business at the transportation operation reached €125 million, up 9% over the same period in 2009, notable growth that surpasses the percentage recorded by the company in the rest of Europe.

The new facilities
The first of the sites is located in Forte da Casa, in the Lisbon region. It is a strategic point due to its proximity with the A-1 and A-2 motorways that connect the capital of Portugal with the north and south of the country.

This warehouse covers 3,400 sq m, of which 1,500 is used for distribution and cross-docking activities, another 1,500 sq m allocated to storage and the remaining 400 sq m for offices.

The building has the capacity to vertically store more than 1,600 pallets, has 24 loading bays and onsite diesel supply for fuelling its vehicle fleet.

The second centre, located in Canelas in the Porto region, is used for distribution, cross-docking and international transportation activities, as well as full load and groupage services. With a warehouse of around 3,200 sq m, the site also has an integral 6,500 sq m parking area to accommodate up to 50 trucks, a diesel pump and a garage assigned to the maintenance and repair of the fleet.

To optimise the cross-docking activities, the site has 20 loading bays, 10 for trailers and another 10 for light vehicles. Located south of Porto, it connects with two of the main motorways of the country, the A-1 and the A-29, without having to cross the city.

In this way, it facilitates connections between the north of the country - with shuttles originating from various points in Spain and Portugal - without passing through areas that have a tendency for heavy traffic. This reduces journey times, CO2 emissions and results in cost savings.