High-rise automated building dedicated to the storage of products for the pharmaceutical and hospital industries in Belgium: Constructed by GSE

An international pharmaceutical logistics hub serving European distribution

The BECTON DICKINSON DISTRIBUTION CENTER N.V. project is part of a globalized logistics network. The site stores pharmaceutical products sourced from the United States, South America, and Asia, with the aim of redistributing them to the European market. This position makes it a strategic link in the supply chain for the hospital and pharmaceutical sectors, where reliability and continuity of service are essential.

A complex industrial design project on an occupied site undergoing transformation

The project involves a major renovation of the existing site, including the demolition of a 5,000 m² building followed by the construction of a new 8,000 m² complex. This work was carried out adjacent to an existing site across the street that remained operational throughout, imposing significant constraints on business continuity.

The complexity of the project also lies in the integration of technical connections with the existing building, particularly the IT systems, the sprinkler system, the emergency generator, and the centralized technical management system (CTMS). This interface between the old and new sites required precise coordination to ensure the continuity of essential workflows and systems throughout the construction period.

Technical Excellence Supporting Automated Logistics and Climate Control

The building is designed as a fully automated, high-bay logistics facility. It features 5,500 m² of high-bay storage space, reaching a height of 38.5 m, with self-supporting racks and a capacity of 40,000 pallet spaces, complemented by 300 m² of office space. The equipment includes two conveyor lines, five stacker cranes, a sorting machine, and an automatic packaging system, enabling a high level of logistics performance.

Storage conditions are strictly controlled, with the temperature maintained between 15 and 25 °C, notably through free cooling and a temperature mapping system that ensures thermal stability. The facility is complemented by photovoltaic panels that contribute to the site’s energy self-consumption. Special attention was also paid to the design of the facades, enhancing the building’s architectural quality in addition to its technical performance.