Lidl Serbia has officially opened a distribution centre in Nova Pazova, according to local reports, marking the start of operations in the country.
The structure extends over 45,000 square metres and employs 180 people. It has space for 30,000 pallets and a capacity for supplying 100 stores, making it one of the largest distribution centres in South-Eastern Europe.
It is also the first in Serbia to be LEED Gold certified, which means that it respects the highest standards in sustainable construction. The certification was awarded for the centre's incorporation of sustainable building materials, its more efficient use of water, waste reduction, better energy performance, and better working conditions, such as indoor air quality and use of natural light.
The building has five temperature zones and is unique in that it has a chamber intended exclusively for the storage of chocolate products (kept at +18 degrees).
Domestic Competition
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Lidl had invested €55 million in the distribution centre, and that 50 Serbian companies took part in the construction work. He added that Lidl will strengthen competition in the domestic market, and that, initially, 300 products from Serbia will be available on store shelves, with the prospect of more in the near future.
Vučić revealed that 16 Lidl supermarkets will be opened by the end of 2018. Previously, company representatives had said that ten to 20 stores would be opened, initially.
Lidl Serbia already has 500 employees and is planning to hire more than 1,000 staff members for stores in 18 cities, including Belgrade, Bor, Inđija, Leskovac, Niš and Novi Sad.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
