Charleroi sorting centre doubling its sorting capacity
bpost continues to invest in Belgium and in parcel handling facilities.
Thursday 11 April 2024A new parcel sorting machine (PSM) is to be installed at Charleroi X (Fleurus), which will double capacity at the sorting centre. The existing site will be enlarged by 9,000m² to accommodate the new PSM. Upon completion of the work at the end of 2025, some 18,000m² of floor space will be allocated/dedicated to parcel sorting. The work (building) is scheduled to start on 22 April 2024, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2025, just in time for the traditional end-of-year peak.
As the parcel and e-commerce logistics market continues to grow, bpost remains committed to meeting the changing needs of its customers by innovating and enlarging its e-commerce logistics facilities.
Jos Donvil, CEO of bpost Belgium: “bpost continues to invest in Belgium and in parcel handling facilities with the enlargement of the site and the installation of a new machine. We are proud to double our sorting capacity at Charleroi X, which means we will be able to handle up to 170,000 parcels per day by the end of 2025 at Charleroi X . This initiative strengthens our position as preferred partner in e-commerce and logistics, and confirms our commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, with due consideration for the development and working conditions of our staff.”
The sorting centre facilities must be transformed to accommodate the new PSM. The existing building will be enlarged by an additional 9,000m². Fifteen new truck bays are planned, as well as two new telescopic conveyers to unload and feed loose product into the sorting machine. Many customers want to load their goods straight into the truck, without using pallets or containers.
The enlargement will be completed without any loss of sorting capacity during construction and the installation of the new machine in March 2025. In other words, the parcel sorting activities will continue as normal until the transition to the new PSM.
The centre will be enlarged by building on the current car park. A new parking lot is under construction with completion expected within the next few weeks. Drivers may experience some inconvenience during the work.
Charleroi X – key figures
Floor space
| BEFORE | AFTER (end of 2025) |
Total floor space | 38,000m², including +/- 9,000m² dedicated to the parcel sorting centre | 47,000m², including +/- 18,000m² dedicated to the parcel sorting centre |
Total floor space (including parking and bays) | +/- 104,000m² | +/- 135,000m²
|
Number of employees
More than 500 permanent employees and up to 100 temporary workers for the peaks (including transport teams).
