Movianto, part of Yusen Logistics, has expanded its healthcare logistics facility in Aalst, Belgium, nearly doubling its temperature-controlled storage capacity to support growing demand from pharmaceutical and healthcare customers.

The expanded site has increased storage capacity from 14,000 to 25,000 pallet positions and is now fully operational following regulatory inspection and approval.

The facility provides storage across multiple temperature ranges, including ambient conditions of 15–25°C, refrigerated storage at 2–8°C, frozen storage at –20°C and ultra-cold capacity at –80°C, supporting a broad range of pharmaceutical and medical products.

The expansion comes as demand for specialist healthcare supply chain services continues to grow despite wider economic uncertainty.

Bruno Jacques, deputy managing director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and chief executive officer of Yusen Logistics Healthcare, said: “Despite broader economic headwinds, demand for our specialized healthcare solutions continues to grow.”

He added that customers are increasingly seeking integrated supply chain services that combine warehousing with international freight forwarding.

The development strengthens Movianto’s capabilities in healthcare logistics, adding dedicated storage areas for hazardous goods and narcotics while increasing support for clinical trial logistics and GMP-licensed services.

The hazardous goods area includes 576 pallet positions within a controlled temperature environment and has been designed to meet pharmaceutical industry safety requirements.

Movianto said the expansion will also support workforce growth at the site, with employee numbers expected to increase from around 100 to 150.

The Aalst facility operates in compliance with EU Good Distribution Practice requirements and holds ISO and TAPA certifications for quality and security standards.

Leen Michiels, site manager at Movianto in Aalst, said: “This is one of the most demanding certification frameworks in the industry.”

The site also operates as a bonded warehouse, allowing pharmaceutical products in transit to be stored without duties being paid until they enter their final destination market. The facility can also support customs clearance for imports and exports serving both European and international supply chains.

According to the company, the additional capacity will allow customers to combine storage services with specialist offerings including clinical trial logistics, secondary packaging and country-specific adaptations such as leaflet changes.

Belgium remains one of Europe’s most important pharmaceutical logistics locations, serving as a gateway for medicines entering and leaving the European market. Movianto said the Aalst expansion will strengthen its ability to support both European and global healthcare supply chains.

The company has also incorporated sustainability measures into the facility, including rooftop solar panels, heat pump technology, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting systems.