In October 2021, Barry Callebaut opened an energy-neutral distribution center with a fully automated high-bay warehouse in Lokeren. This 60,000 m² complex can store approximately 75 million kilograms of chocolate, requiring a constant temperature of 18 °C. To achieve this efficiently and sustainably, an advanced building management system (BMS) from Jansen Sumi Smart Solutions was installed. We would be pleased to tell you more about it.
Barry Callebaut, a world leader in chocolate and cocoa products, needed a logistics hub for the international distribution of its products. A tender was issued in 2018. A few years later, the doors opened to ‘The Barry Callebaut Chocolate Box’, the world’s largest chocolate warehouse. This complex building meets the highest sustainability requirements and was the first logistics building to receive a BREEAM Outstanding certificate.
Advanced Technology for Perfect Temperature
‘The Barry Callebaut Chocolate Box’ includes not only a traditional 50,000 m² warehouse, but also a 41-meter fully automated high-bay warehouse with 10,000 m² of storage space. Temperature control is crucial for chocolate storage. Wannes van Rysselberghe, Logistics Manager at Barry Callebaut, emphasizes its importance: “Our HVAC system is therefore integrated with a smart BMS. This system not only regulates the climate, but also the lighting and emergency lighting, and provides a central visualization of all operational parameters.”
Sustainable Energy and Cost Savings
The intelligent BMS control from Jansen Sumi Smart Solutions ensures that all building technologies function optimally with a focus on sustainability. The system adjusts heating and cooling based on external factors such as outdoor temperature and sunlight. “The integration of various technologies in one building made this project challenging. The initial results were already very promising, and a year after implementation, it was found that the PV installation covers almost 50% of the energy demand. This led to a 10% saving on energy costs, and the investment was quickly recouped,” say Dries De Groote and Jo Deceuninck of Jansen Sumi Smart Solutions.
The user-friendly BMS is intuitive and provides a 3D visualization of warehouse performance. Problems can be quickly detected and resolved. All installations can be controlled remotely, ensuring operational continuity.
Collaboration as Key to Success
In complex projects like this, collaboration is crucial. “The team from Jansen Sumi Smart Solutions ensured a seamless implementation of the technical concept and remained involved for further support. A great collaboration,” concludes Wannes van Rysselberghe, Logistics Manager at Barry Callebaut.
