Warehouses with Brains: Solving logistics puzzles, driving sustainability, and empowering growth
In the ever-evolving world of logistics, where every second counts and efficiency drives success, the role of logistics real estate has transcended beyond mere storage spaces. At WDP, we believe in creating “warehouses with brains” — intelligent, sustainable, and integrated solutions that go beyond the box to solve logistics puzzles and empower businesses to grow. Our recent partnership with Kris De Leeneer BV (KDL) is a shining example of this philosophy in action.
A visionary collaboration: WDP and KDL
When two forward-thinking organizations join forces, the results can be transformative. WDP’s €60 million integrated real estate deal with KDL, a leading logistics service provider and proud recipient of the “Transporter of the Year 2025” award, epitomizes our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and value creation.
This partnership is not just about building warehouses; it’s about crafting a comprehensive logistics solution that aligns with KDL’s growth ambitions. The deal includes:
- Development of a new sustainable warehouse: A state-of-the-art facility of approximately 18,000 m², strategically located in the Lokeren E17 industrial park, designed to enhance KDL’s operational efficiency and sustainability.
- Sale-and-Leaseback of KDL’s existing facility: A 25,000 m² automated high bay warehouse featuring cutting-edge technology like MOVU pallet storage systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient cooling. This facility will be leased back to KDL under a 20-year agreement.
- Temporary leasing in Zele: A 4,500 m² interim solution to bridge the development period, ensuring seamless continuity in KDL’s operations.
This integrated transaction is not just a real estate deal — it’s a strategic partnership that supports KDL’s logistics processes while solidifying WDP’s presence in a key industrial hub.
Warehouses with Brains: Thinking beyond the box
At WDP, our “warehouses with brains” concept is rooted in the belief that logistics real estate should be more than just functional — it should be transformative. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of our partnership with KDL:
- Solving logistics puzzles: Every business has unique logistics challenges, and KDL is no exception. By combining the development of a new warehouse with the sale-and-leaseback of their existing facility, WDP crafted a tailor-made solution that optimizes KDL’s warehousing and distribution flow. The proximity of the new and existing facilities ensures seamless integration, enhancing both efficiency and scalability.
- Driving sustainability: Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. The new warehouse will feature energy-efficient designs and modern facilities, while the existing high bay is already a beacon of sustainable innovation with its solar panels, concrete cooling, and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Together, these facilities exemplify how logistics real estate can drive environmental responsibility without compromising performance.
- Fueling growth: Real estate plays a pivotal role in enabling business growth. For KDL, this partnership provides the infrastructure needed to expand their operations and serve their customers faster and more flexibly. The long-term lease agreements ensure stability, while the strategic location in Lokeren connects KDL to key economic hubs like Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels.
The power of strategic location
Location is everything in logistics, and the Lokeren E17 industrial park is a prime example of a strategic hub. Situated at the crossroads of major economic zones, this area offers unparalleled connectivity to the E17 motorway and proximity to KDL’s customer base. By anchoring our footprint in this industrial park, WDP not only supports KDL’s growth but also strengthens Lokeren’s economic position, creating opportunities for innovation and development in the region.
A testament to collaboration and innovation
The success of this partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
With this collaboration, we are taking the next well-considered step in the development of our logistics model. The combination of automation, sustainability, and a strategic location ensures we are ready to serve our customers even faster and more flexibly. This partnership with WDP confirms our ambition to continue growing as a leading reference in the industry.
For WDP, this deal is a perfect alignment with our strategy to strengthen our presence at strategic locations, optimize supply chains, and deepen client retention. This creative real estate puzzle allows us to focus on three strategic pillars simultaneously. Real estate plays a key role in KDL’s growth strategy, so we are delighted that this integrated solution supports their logistics processes and future growth
Sustainability and innovation: The cornerstones of the future
In today’s logistics landscape, sustainability and innovation are not just buzzwords — they are imperatives. WDP’s partnership with KDL showcases how these principles can be seamlessly integrated into logistics real estate:
- Energy Optimization: Both the new and existing facilities are designed with energy efficiency in mind, from solar panels to advanced cooling systems.
- Automation: KDL’s high bay warehouse is a marvel of modern logistics, featuring automated pallet storage systems that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Flexibility: The temporary lease in Zele demonstrates WDP’s ability to provide flexible solutions that adapt to our clients’ evolving needs.
Anchoring growth in Lokeren
With this combined transaction, WDP’s footprint in Lokeren expands to over 165,000 m² of high-end logistics real estate. This includes not only the facilities for KDL but also other landmark projects like the Global Distribution Centre for Barry Callebaut and the Experience Centre for Movu Robotics. Together, these developments position Lokeren as a hub for growth, innovation, and sustainability in the logistics sector.
The bigger picture: Empowering the future of logistics
At WDP, we see ourselves as more than just a logistics real estate company — we are enablers of growth, sustainability, and innovation. Our “warehouses with brains” philosophy encapsulates this vision, combining intelligent design, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to our clients’ success.
Because at WDP, we don’t just build warehouses; we build warehouses with brains.