[EN-LOG] Netherlands Remains Ideal Location for European Distribution

The Netherlands remains an ideal location for European distribution from a cost and quality perspective, as well as green supply chain, according to a recent study conducted by the "Holland International Distribution Council" (NDL/HIDC).
The latest update of the benchmark study, which was conducted in partnership with Buck Consultants International and Ernst & Young, compared European hot-spots in terms of their attractiveness as locations for European distribution centres.

Many companies select the location for their European distribution centre based on a limited number of cost factors. However, a location decision can have a big impact on the total supply chain costs.

Therefore, operating costs that may vary significantly per location, such as labour costs and costs for inbound and outbound transportation, as well as quality aspects should also be taken into account when deciding where to locate a new distribution centre.

As sustainability is increasingly regarded as an important driver for business decisions, the impact of different locations on a company's carbon footprint, was also taken into account.
The findings of this latest study show that, although the competition of the neighbouring countries is fierce, the Netherlands remains an attractive location for distribution centre activities.

Due to its position as gateway to Europe and the high volumes of intercontinental sea- and airfreight into the country (the Netherlands has the largest seaport and the third largest cargo airport in Europe), transport tariffs to and from the Netherlands are generally competitive.

In a comparison of eleven European seaports, the northwestern European ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Hamburg scored highest in terms of quality and cost.

The Netherlands is ahead of other European countries in terms of labour flexibility, often crucial for upscaling or downscaling logistics operations. And the Dutch tax and customs authorities are the most efficient en business oriented in the world.

Furthermore, due to the many opportunities for the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport and its relative proximity to the centre of gravity of the European consumer market, the Netherlands is also a good location for a greener supply chain.
Source : EFT, 08.01.10.