French transport and logistics company FM Logistic is to invest in what is touted as Europe's biggest single distribution centre, occupying 54,000 m2 and with solar panels covering the entire roof area, in the south of France, near Nimes.
The construction contract has been awarded to photovoltaic panel specialist Urbasolar. FM Logistic's main client is understood to be French hypermarket chain Carrefour. The move toward solar power is natural as the South of France is blessed with sunny weather - no less than 300 days/year average in the Drome department, for example.
The installation will generate the same electrical power as 500 typical French households consume every year. Because of the advanced construction techniques developed by Urbasoler, deadweight is no more than 5 kg/m2, reducing structural costs accordingly. The investment is put at E8.2M, financed by Akuo Energy. FM Logistic will deliver surplus energy to Electricite de France at an agreed rate.
- Geodis Wilson, the freight forwarding division of Geodis in France, has opened a new terminal for maritime containers in Montpellier, to cater for traffic moved over the deep sea terminals at Fos (Port of Marseilles) for the Montpellier, Nimes, Avignon, etc consumer markets.
The terminal is well located to provide paying backhaul loads to the Far East, including wine shipments, bottled mineral water (Perrier brand), chemicals and machinery. Handling and transport between the terminal and Fos have been contracted to Rouille & Coulon. |
