Constellation Netherlands: Innovation, Efficiency and Sustainability

Constellation Cold Logistics is a market leader in cold storage across the Netherlands. Our strategically located facilities in the Gelderland region – including Nijkerk, Lichtenvoorde and Varsseveld – offer our customers seamless connectivity to major cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam and direct access to key European markets across Constellation’s network.

Equipped with innovative technology and a robust sustainability agenda, we are shaping the future of cold storage logistics in Europe. Let’s take a look at each of our Netherlands locations, and why they’re at the cutting edge of European cold storage.

Nijkerk

Our Nijkerk facility is a flagship site for Constellation in the Netherlands. It underwent a major expansion in 2023, adding 18,500 pallet spaces to accommodate increased demand. This site now has over 65,000 pallet positions, making it a key hub for cold storage in the region.

Located just 50 kilometres from Amsterdam and near to the Port of Rotterdam, Nijkerk offers seamless links to European markets. This strategic location is complemented by Constellation’s advanced transport services and exporting and importing services, ensuring that products can be efficiently distributed throughout Europe. The site has a large blast freezing capacity, with a particular expertise in handling poultry.

A major focus at Nijkerk is sustainability. The recent expansion includes a solar array that helps power the facility, contributing to Constellation’s plan to achieve net zero emissions. The solar array is part of a broader investment in sustainable energy, with over 6 MW of solar capacity installed across our network. By combining cutting-edge storage capabilities with a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, Nijkerk stands at the forefront of modern cold logistics.

Lichtenvoorde

Located in the eastern part of the Gelderland region, the Lichtenvoorde facility has a long-established reputation for its excellence in cold storage and logistics. This site serves as an important hub for customers requiring blast freezing services for the food industry. The site stores a range of commodities, with expertise in meat storage, including blast freezing tunnels and capability to bring the product down to frozen temperature quickly. The facility’s proximity to the German border enhances its role as a key gateway for cross-border trade into Europe.

Lichtenvoorde also benefits from Constellation’s significant investments in automation and technology, ensuring precise temperature management and operational efficiency. Our value-added services here include unpacking, repacking, and export services, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients across Europe.

Looking ahead, sustainability remains a key focus at Lichtenvoorde. Like Nijkerk, we are committed to adopting energy-efficient solutions, reducing waste, and using modern construction methods during expansions to minimise our environmental impact. These efforts ensure we remain a sustainable, high-performance logistics partner.

Varsseveld

Our Varsseveld facility has become a leading site for high-capacity cold storage in the region. This site saw a 14,000-pallet expansion in 2018, built to the highest sustainability standards and designed to meet the needs of our growing customer base. The site stores a broad range of commodities and has particular expertise in butter, with cutting edge controlled air tempering tunnels for butter, an automated restacking machine, and an automated butter unpacking line.

With its sustainable BREEAM-certified status, the Varsseveld facility is a model for modern cold storage. This certification reflects our ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption and incorporate responsibly sourced materials into the construction process. 

Varsseveld continues to play a vital role in our sustainability roadmap with plans for further investments in energy efficiency and innovative storage solutions. It represents the blend of heritage and future-focused logistics that defines Constellation’s success in the Netherlands.

Investing in the Netherlands

Constellation Cold Logistics’ investment in the Netherlands and the continued growth of our facilities in Nijkerk, Lichtenvoorde, and Varsseveld, underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive cold chain services. Each site offers a unique blend of advanced technology, capacity and strategic location, ensuring we meet the needs of the evolving food industry while driving sustainable practices.