Largest building in the Netherlands rises in Lelystad
It is 2020. As the world stands still by corona, Carolien Gase, acquisition officer at Lelystad Municipality, slides a beer table onto the grounds of Flevokust Haven. With a jug of coffee and cups, she welcomes the delegation from Denmark. Flying is not possible, so the JYSK men come by car. The conversation is not about limitations, but opportunities.
"We wanted to continue, despite corona. And so did they. A start like that stays with you forever," Carolien says. That coffee table now symbolises the start of a cooperation that has now grown much bigger than just a new distribution centre.
Unique location with numerous advantages
For JYSK, the choice of Lelystad was no coincidence. Its proximity to the port makes a world of difference. "Eighty per cent of our goods come by container. Being literally within walking distance of the port means fewer kilometres driven, fewer emissions and much more efficiency," says Hector Valencia, operations manager at JYSK.
The location also offers advantages on a European level. "The Netherlands is centrally located in Europe. From Lelystad, we can deliver quickly to shops and customers. With the port next door and highways nearby, the infrastructure is ideal. That gives us room to grow and work sustainably."
In addition, Lelystad literally offered space. The zoning plan allowed for high-rise buildings, which was necessary for the desired size of the DC. The building ended up being 43 hectares. Rob Deinum, local project manager for JYSK: "Because of the space, the building height and the location, Lelystad was chosen. What we are erecting here is exceptional: with 285,000 square metres of floor space, we are now the largest building in the Netherlands."
"What we are putting up here is exceptional: with 285,000 square metres of floor space, we are now the largest structure in the Netherlands. "
A world-class centre
The new distribution centre will not only be large, but also technologically advanced. "Everything that moves, I am responsible for that," says Hector Valencia with a smile. As operations manager at JYSK, which is already located in Lelystad next to the new building, he supervises not only the day-to-day operations but also the preparations for the new DC.
With automated storage systems - so-called highbays - the centre will soon be able to handle up to 8,000 containers a year. "But," Hector stresses, "no matter how smart the technology is: people are still needed. We can't do without them."
Already a real Lelystad company
Whereas some distribution centres run on temporary workers or flexible shells, JYSK deliberately chose a different route. Even before the construction of the new warehouse, the company started in Lelystad. The property next to the new building was available for rent and proved perfect to start the DC. The shops are supplied from there. A permanent team is dedicated to this every day. They also test the systems that will soon be used. But working with the highbays is really new for everyone in the new DC. Another advantage of JYSK's choice to already start next to the new premises is that employees are already being recruited and properly trained. And that everyone is slowly growing towards the jump in scale.
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Many great jobs and opportunities for residents
Carolien: "For residents, the arrival of JYSK means that lots of great jobs have been added. And that many more great jobs will be added in the coming years. From entry-level positions to serious career opportunities." Operators, logistics planners, management: there is work at many levels. JYSK also looks emphatically at people who have been out of the labour process for a long time. Together with Concern voor Werk and Werkbedrijf, programmes are set up to help precisely this group get back into permanent employment. JYSK has also been at the table with RIF Logistics from the outset, where there is close coordination between education and the logistics industry.
According to forecasts, JYSK in Lelystad will grow from eighty employees now to around 300 to 400 in the coming years. This will make the distribution centre one of the largest employers in the region. For HR manager Haja Bousselham, it's not only about numbers, but especially about people. "It's about developing, giving opportunities and allowing them to grow," she says. "We have now built a nice team and I am proud of where we are, but also curious to see where we are going. I strongly believe that investing in people always gives something back. That drives me every day."
"It's about developing, giving opportunities and allowing them to grow. "
Sustainability as a prerequisite
Sustainability is also central. JYSK is going for the highest standard: LEED Platinum. "For us, sustainable business means more than energy-efficient building," Rob explains. "We will soon measure air quality in the building and pay close attention to employee health and safety. We want to show that large-scale logistics and sustainability can go hand in hand."
Cooperation with city and region
JYSK's success in Lelystad is not just about the distribution centre, but precisely about the connection with the city. "We make sure that companies are not on an island here, but really become part of the city," says Carolien. Thus, local entrepreneurs were involved right from construction: from sandwiches on site to cleaning and catering. "We are working with local partners to find staff. Also with schools, such as the ROC, to set up training courses. That's how we build something beautiful together," says Haja.
Not only that, JYSK is optimally looking for the social connection with the city and has therefore also joined, for example, the Lelystad Challenge.
An engine for the regional economy and the future
The arrival of JYSK has an aura that goes far beyond the company itself. "What happens here is a huge boost for Flevoland and Lelystad," says Rob. "Employment is increasing, the port is being used intensively and the city is growing along with it. But this requires cooperation - at Flevokust Haven and beyond, with the municipality and the region."
That collaboration and mentality is exactly what sets JYSK apart. "They don't rent something here for five years and then leave. JYSK has come here to stay," Carolien stresses. Haja, too, faces the future with confidence: "The arrival of JYSK at Flevokust Haven has something concrete to offer Lelystad: work, development and a new place where people come together."
Hector calls it "a fantastic challenge to help build a fully automated distribution centre." For all involved, the project is more than just logistics: it symbolises growth, sustainability and connection to Lelystad.
According to the current schedule, the building will be delivered in July 2026, after which the systems will be set up in three quarters of a year. From June 2027, the centre will be fully operational. What started with coffee at a beer table will grow into a calling card for Lelystad.