Movianto, part of Yusen Logistics and specialising in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, has significantly expanded its facility in Aalst, Belgium.
Temperature-controlled pallet storage capacity has nearly doubled 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.
The expansion addresses the growing demand for specialised healthcare supply chain services even amid a challenging economic climate.
“Despite broader economic headwinds, demand for our specialised healthcare solutions continues to grow,” said Bruno Jacques (pictured), 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 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.
“This is one of the most demanding certification frameworks in the industry,” said Leen Michiels, Site Manager, Movianto in Aalst. “It goes well beyond standard ISO 9001 requirements and includes measures such as video surveillance, full perimeter fencing and controlled access.”
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.
Aalst as a gateway to Europe and a bonded transit hub
Bruno Jacques added: “Like our Belgian site in Houdeng Goegnies, Aalst is playing an increasingly important role in international healthcare supply chains.
Non-European customers use Belgium as a strategic gateway to Europe, whereas the site also serves as a transit hub for global logistics flows — allowing customers to route goods efficiently to both EU and non-EU destinations."
Licensed as a bonded warehouse, the Aalst site allows goods in transit to be stored duty-free and provides customs clearance for EU imports and exports.
The expansion also enables customers to combine additional storage capacity with specialist services, including clinical trial logistics and GMP-licensed activities such as secondary packaging and country-specific adaptations, including leaflet changes.
