The facility, located at Panattoni Park Bad Hersfeld Ost in the state of Hesse, has been receiving goods since August. Outbound operations have now also begun, with products being distributed from Herleshausen to the distribution centres of an unnamed online retailer.
The site provides 71,800 square metres of total logistics space, including 62,800 square metres of warehouse space, 6,100 square metres of mezzanine areas and 2,900 square metres of offices. Maersk has taken the facility on a long-term lease.
Its location directly on the A4 motorway gives the operation access to one of Germany’s major east-west transport corridors and places it close to the country’s geographical centre.
“Herleshausen is the ideal location as a central hub for the flow of goods within Germany and into the neighboring European markets,” said Ole Trumpfheller, managing director of Maersk Area Northern Europe Continent.
Maersk expects the operation to create 300 to 400 permanent jobs once fully operational. During the October-to-December peak season, however, the workforce could rise to as many as 1,000 employees.
Around 150 people were already working at the site when the opening was announced, with recruitment continuing.
The building is equipped with solar panels, rainwater collection systems and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. Maersk is also seeking DGNB Gold sustainability certification for the facility.
