Silicones-based manufacturer, Dow Corning, has completed its €30 million European distribution centre in Feluy, Belgium, after 15 months of construction. The new facility will allow Dow Corning to support future growth in the region and is double the size of the current warehouse.
The main entrance of the distribution centre is surrounded by a façade of 240m2. Dow Corning’s transparent structural silicone adhesive was used to attach insulating glass units to the façade. This adhesive, developed for point-fixing in glazing, combines high transparency, strong adhesion, thermal stability and weatherability – all characteristics key to improving a building's lifespan and efficiency. Furthermore, Dow Corning’s structural glazed facade technology allows the creation of modern construction with larger, more efficient windows that provides better thermal insulation and lets in more daylight. Also more than two kilometres of concrete floor and wall joints inside the building have been sealed with Dow Corning silicones. It is claimed that silicone sealants perform well under the stress of UV radiation, extreme heat and cold and acid rain.
The building has also been made to reduce energy consumption, with increased levels of roof insulation and the installation of heat recovery facilities on the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. To save artificial lighting, the use of natural lighting was maximized via the use of roof lights and where possible motion lighting controls. The structure of the distribution centre is also equipped to support solar panels on the roof.
Klaus Hoffmann, regional president said, “The new European distribution centre uses optimized workflows and will significantly improve Dow Corning’s materials delivery capabilities, quality and customer service performance. It will equip our company for continued sustainable growth in Europe, to even better serve our customers with the innovative products, applications and services on which we have built our reputation.”
In the coming months, Dow Corning will work on the transition to the new state-of-the-art distribution centre. When fully operational, the facility, which uses optimized workflows, will significantly advance Dow Corning’s materials delivery capability and quality as well as service performance for customers in Europe, Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
