Press release
The Norwegian high-end outdoor apparel manufacturer Helly Hansen celebrated the official opening of its new European Distribution Centre in Born on 9 January 2012. The company will be expanding its activities in Limburg considerably, partly as a result of autonomous growth of the company, but also as a consequence of the decision to concentrate the European distribution activities in Limburg, thereby substantially strengthening Helly Hansen’s position in Limburg. The company chose to set up one single new operation on the multi-modal distribution park Sittard-Geleen at Holtum Noord in Born. The choice for the new location was made after researching several options throughout Europe.
“The integration of our Workwear and Sportswear activities in one new European Distribution Centre is necessary to facilitate Helly Hansen’s growth in both segments. We are doing the same in other regions where we are active, such as North America. The advantageous location and the support of local and regional government were important reasons to continue to opt for Limburg within Europe”, according to Bart de Rijke, VP Supply Chain for Helly Hansen.
Active support for the choice of Limburg was given by the municipality of Sittard-Geleen, the Province of Limburg, NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency) and the Limburg Development and Investment Agency LIOF. Support was given for both the choice of location and for the development of jobs and training.
“It is really positive to see that foreign companies are keen to stay in Limburg and even to expand by moving other European operations here”, said Jérôme Th.M.A.J. Verhagen, Managing Director of LIOF. ”This whole project is a good example of cooperation between Helly Hansen, the municipality of Sittard-Geleen, the Province of Limburg and LIOF.”
Helly Hansen will be taking up 14.000m2 in one of DHG’s buildings, with the intention of expanding to 20.000 m2. With the completion of the move from the old building in Echt to the new building in Born and the opening ceremony, the first phase of this project is officially completed. In the next phase, the company’s activities relating to workwear will be transferred to Born, joining the existing activities for sportswear. Parallel to this, the number of staff employed by Helly Hansen in Limburg will increase from the present 35 to around 85 in three years’ time.
Helly Hansen was established in 1877 and has been active in Limburg since 1995 – also set up with support from LIOF at that time. The company headquarters is located in Oslo, Norway. Helly Hansen employs around 600 people worldwide.
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Contact Helly Hansen:
Bart de Rijke
Tel 046-4235020
bart.de.rijke@hellyhansen.com