Growth comes with its challenges—as BD Logistics discovered when it set out to expand its operations in Brussels. The company, specialised in value-added urban logistics, is determined to establish itself as a sustainable and reliable player in the capital.
But how do you overcome the hurdles of strict regulations and a challenging labour market? Like all Brussels-based companies, BD Logistics is not on its own. Fortunately, it can count on a broad network of regional support organisations. A simple referral from the Port of Brussels led to a successful collaboration—one that has made a real impact for both the company and the Brussels community.
Logistics with a green vision
BD Logistics, part of the Belgian Distribution Group, is a Belgian logistics company with a unique network of local depots. Its headquarters are located in Bornem. As the company continued to grow, its Ganshoren depot became too small, prompting a move to Haren—along the banks of the Willebroek Canal, just a stone’s throw from the Port. From this central location, they offer sustainable logistics solutions for sectors including retail and transport.
“We had a clear growth plan, but the administrative challenges were complex. Thanks to the expertise and support of hub.brussels, we were able to move faster and turn our ambitions into reality.”
BD Logistics
From challenges to solutions: regional support
During this relocation, BD Logistics faced several administrative challenges. Thankfully, hub.brussels stepped in with targeted support in four key areas: permits, recruitment, social economy, and sustainable urban logistics.
Securing the right permits
One of the first major hurdles? Environmental and urban planning permits—essential for collecting and transporting items such as batteries and (electronic) returns. hub.brussels supported the company in interpreting the regulations and preparing its applications. BD Logistics invested in environmentally friendly measures like electric forklifts and efficient waste management and earned the ISO 14001 certification for its environmental policy and energy-neutral facilities.
Finding the right people
To strengthen its Brussels operations, BD Logistics needed extra staff—a real challenge in a tight labour market. Through hub.brussels, the company connected with partners such as Actiris, VDAB, Bruxelles Formation, and Logisticity. Together, they organised a targeted job dating event with pre-screened candidates. The result of this smooth collaboration between public services? In just three months, seven people secured permanent roles at BD Logistics—and the team continues to grow with additional hires.
BD Logistics didn’t just want to grow—it also wanted to make a positive impact. Through hub.brussels, it was introduced to FEBRAP, the federation of Brussels social enterprises. This led to a collaboration with Manufast, a sheltered workshop offering meaningful employment to people with disabilities. Five individuals now contribute to material cleaning and maintenance—a win-win for both business and society.
Finally, BD Logistics committed to the Green Deal for Low-Emission Urban Logistics, an initiative of Brussels Environment and Brussels Mobility. This marks a clear commitment to eco-friendly urban logistics and supports the transition to more sustainable mobility in the capital.