stow Robotics launches new automation center in former DPG Media Services printing facility
14/10/2022
The former DPG printing facility in Lokeren is a familiar sight for anyone who regularly travels the E17 motorway. WDP acquired this A+ location through a sale-and-lease-back operation with DPG Media Services in 2021.
Come 2023, this high-profile location will become the new base of operations for stow Robotics -Enterprise of the Year 2020. The groundbreaking specialist in warehouse automation solutions is set to open its brand-new automation center here.
Technology & Experience Center
stow Robotics will invest heavily in a large technology and experience center for its European clients. The building will also include the company’s R&D center, a multilevel production unit, and offices for sales and after-sales.
The new hub will be the focal point for stow Robotics’ high-end production activities. All other activities will move to the Lokeren site, making it the second large Belgian location for the company, after its HQ in Spiere-Helkijn near Tournai.
Excellent location and visibility
“The building’s central location, extensive amenities, and excellent visibility are an absolute trump card for stow Robotics”, says Jos De Vuyst, stow Group"s CEO.
The parent group is a leading player in the industry, with ten plants and 20 commercial entities spread across Europe and the US. The group will round the one billion turnover mark in 2022. stow Robotics has a crucial role to play in the group’s future growth strategy.
“Given our rapid growth, the immediate availability of the building was vital in our decision. The evolution in warehouse automation is extremely dynamic, and time-to-market of new concepts is of the utmost importance.”
High-end center for an innovative high-growth company
"WDP capitalizes on this trend by strategically acquiring new buildings and development opportunities. “When we acquire properties, we thoroughly analyze their long-term potential and suitability for other functions” Kristof De Witte, General Manager WDP for BeLux and France explains.
“This re-allocation shows that existing properties can be developed into high-end campuses for future-proof, high-growth, and innovative companies.”
A boost for the local economy
The company will hire over 50 new employees to kickstart the new facility’s operations. In the long run, over 200 employees will be welcomed on-site, ranging from engineers to R&D and other technical profiles. A boost for the local economy, says Lokeren’s mayor Filip Antheunis: “We’re delighted to welcome stow Robotics in our city. Lokeren is a small but very entrepreneurial town. stow Robotics couldn’t have chosen a better place to do business.”
Stefan Walgraeve, the local council representative for industrial development, continues: “Our unique location is an important asset. We’re located at the crossroads of several important railway lines, with direct access to the E17 motorway. stow Robotics will be hiring both blue- and white-collar workers, increasing employment in our city, and supporting our dynamic local economy.”
Your future, in a WDP warehouse
Do you hold big ambitions for your company? WDP is here to help. Our warehouses are the perfect fit for high-growth companies. Contact us to discuss the future of your logistics or production and manufacturing needs.
