Goodman Group (“Goodman” or “Group”), a global leader in the ownership, management and development of industrial real estate, celebrated the laying of the first stone for the second logistics centre it is developing for Carrefour, one of the world’s largest retailers. The ceremony was led by Benoît Chappey, Business Development Manager for Goodman in France, Thierry Quaranta, Logistics Operations Director for Carrefour Supply Chain, and Yvan Lachaud, President of the Nîmes Métropole region.
Built on a 21 hectare site, the logistics centre will include a 68,000 sqm warehouse, with the possibility of extending the facility by an additional 12,000 sqm. The building will feature T5 lighting in the warehouse and LED lighting in the offices, a rainwater collection system and designated green areas. These specifications will meet all the requirements of BREEAM certification for sustainable construction and environmental performance.
Jérôme Le Bléis, Supply Chain Director for Carrefour France, emphasised the importance of the new centre: “The modern Nîmes site is a perfect fit for our operational requirements and is a considerable asset for the brand in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azure region.”
Deploying a modern supply chain network
This facility is part of an ongoing process to simplify and modernise the retailer’s supply chain network. The aim is to provide the best possible working conditions, optimise the supply and product availability for Carrefour’s full range of branded stores, while reducing transport costs and limiting its environmental impact.
The project in Nîmes relied on close collaboration with Nîmes Métropole and SAT (the planning organisation for the region), making it possible to obtain the land and all of the necessary planning permissions within a short timeframe.
Goodman will deliver a centre that meets a number of ICPE (Classified Facilities for the Protection of the Environment) guidelines, allowing Carrefour to stock a wide range of products.
“This project is the result of an effective collaboration between Goodman and Carrefour,” said Benoît Chappey, Business Development Manager for Goodman in France. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to develop this high quality facility for our customer. Our expertise, combined with our ability to work closely with the authorities and local partners, has allowed us to meet Carrefour’s needs and requirements.”
Strategically located
Yvan Lachaud, President of Nîmes Métropole, commented: “We are very pleased with the success of this project, which is due in particular to the quality of the collaboration with Goodman, and we are delighted to welcome Carrefour to the heart of our territory. The transport and logistics sector has always been of strong economic importance for our region and this new project confirms the ability of the region to offer tailored solutions that foster business development.”
The Saint-Gilles site benefits from the region’s strong infrastructure, including being in close proximity to the Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport and direct access to the A54 motorway. Additionally, the A7 is in close reach, connecting the site to Montpellier and Lyon, and TGV train services are available in Nîmes, approximately 10 kilometres away.
