Cluj: A Powerhouse for Modern Logistics

The Romanian logistics landscape is experiencing dynamic growth, with Cluj-Napoca increasingly recognized as a strategic center for distribution and warehousing. This prominence is further amplified by Safeway Group, a leading FMCG player in Transylvania, announcing a substantial €5.2 million investment in a new, cutting-edge logistics center within Cluj County. This move is poised to reshape the regional logistics infrastructure and offers valuable insights for businesses evaluating the market.

Safeway's Strategic Investment and Capacity Doubling

Safeway Group's ambitious expansion includes the inauguration of a modern logistics center designed to significantly enhance its operational capabilities. With this investment, Safeway plans to double its storage capacity by 2026, accelerating its development plans across Cluj and nationally. This initiative strengthens the group's role as a regional logistics hub, supporting both its own brand portfolio, particularly Home Garden, and the efficient distribution of products for its national and international partners. Such a significant expansion by a market leader highlights the viability and growth potential within Cluj’s logistics sector.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Peak Efficiency

The new logistics center is engineered for maximum operational efficiency and capacity. Developed on a total area of approximately 5,500 square meters, it meticulously allocates space to critical functions:

  • 4,920 square meters dedicated to high-volume storage.
  • 580 square meters designated for modern administrative offices and support spaces.

Constructed to Class A standards, the facility boasts a useful height of 11.5 meters, making it ideal for managing large volumes of merchandise and intensive logistics operations. The investment also incorporates advanced features to optimize logistics flows and reduce handling times:

  • 10 state-of-the-art docking ramps, including 6 equipped with bellows for enhanced efficiency and climate control.
  • 2 convenient Drive-In access zones to streamline vehicle movement and loading/unloading processes.

Digitalization at the Core of Future Logistics

Beyond the physical expansion, Safeway Group is committed to continuous investment in its logistics infrastructure, including modernizing its WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) to digitalize operations. Ghassan Shakhshir, CEO of Safeway Group, emphasized this strategic direction: “This investment is part of a long-term strategy for consolidation and development. We are focusing on high-performance logistics and digitalization to support the growth of our brands and to develop product distribution for our partners.” This forward-thinking approach underscores the shift towards smart logistics solutions that businesses should consider when planning their own operations.

Cluj: A Hub of Opportunity for Businesses

Safeway's journey since its founding in 1992, evolving from a local distributor to an integrated structure encompassing distribution, packaging, and retail with a turnover exceeding 300 million lei and over 320 employees, exemplifies the robust growth potential within the Romanian market. Their latest investment in a modern, Class A logistics center in Cluj sends a clear signal about the region’s strategic importance and its capacity to support large-scale, efficient supply chain operations. For businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence with high-quality warehouse and office space, Cluj continues to emerge as an attractive and future-proof location.

Source: economica.net