The first fieldwork has been done

Less than six months ago, Holbox took an important decision: we are moving. Barely six months later, work is already underway at Morgenstraat in Roermond. The soil survey has been completed and the project is now in the permit process. “At some points, piles have to be driven, at other places, the ground has to be raised by three metres”, says Martijn Hol. “The first stone of the fully circular building will be laid in January next year.”

Energy-neutral is the key word in the design of the new location. The building, which will be more than twice as big as the current location in Echt, will soon be covered with solar panels. Martijn: “Three thousand of them, that covers our electricity needs. We could install twice as many, but that would be a disinvestment because we don’t use that electricity yet. We certainly have the opportunity to grow even more in the new premises.”

In order to comply with energy neutrality, production will take place in daylight hours as much as possible. “But we are already working on storing this energy in so-called battery containers. With these containers, energyneutral production can also be achieved outside daylight hours. In this way, the building and the situation can be adapted to what is optimal for us.”

Transparent

The building measures 27,000 square metres, with production and storage taking up most of the space. Departments that produce noise (CTP, printing, coating, technical service, punching) will be housed on one floor. On top of that, complete rooms will be located, including Shop Direct and the design studio. “From here you have a full view of the production floor. That transparency is very important to us.”

Room for everyone

But this innovation and hightech equipment must not become a deterrent or a hindrance. Martijn: “It is important that we guide and train people in this, just like in implementations with new systems. Look at the transition from paper to digital payslips. If people have difficulty coping with this change, we have to guide them and make them familiar with the system. Sometimes this is overlooked too quickly. There is a place for everyone at Holbox.” n

High-tech

In the middle of the hall there will be a central highway. “That’s where the automated and unmanned forklift trucks will run”, explains Martijn. “It will have a high-tech look. We are the market leader in Europe and will remain so. You have to embrace that position, because both staff and customers see it as a challenge. It will make everyone work more innovative.”