Logistics & Manufacturing
Impact Protection for DreamLand’s New Distribution Centre
Safety was a key consideration from the design stage of the new DreamLand site in Bilzen-Hoeselt. Together, the two warehouses cover more than 40,000 m² and include 44 loading docks. To protect employees, critical infrastructure and the continuity of logistics operations, DreamLand invested in targeted impact protection from Axelent.
Thorough supplier selection
DreamLand carried out an extensive market survey together with its partner Trinn and freelance logistics consultant Patrick Noynaert, evaluating several suppliers and their approach to the specific needs of the new logistics environment.
“We looked not only at the products themselves, but also at how suppliers worked with us to understand the specific needs of our new logistics environment”, says Frank Nolmans, Head of Real Estate & Facility at DreamLand.
Following a thorough tender process, DreamLand chose Axelent. “After the tender, Axelent came out on top in terms of value for money. In addition, I had confidence in the product and already knew Account Manager Ruben Geenen from a previous professional collaboration. That gave us additional confidence in the process.”
A large-scale logistics environment
The scale and layout of DreamLand’s new logistics site required careful planning. Warehouse 1 covers 20,000 square metres and has 21 loading docks, while Warehouse 2 covers 20,500 square metres and has 23 loading docks.
With different types of traffic and movement across the site, protecting vulnerable areas and infrastructure was an important consideration from the beginning.
“We looked not only at the products themselves, but also at how Axelent worked with us to understand the specific needs of our new logistics environment.”
Impact protection where it matters
At the new site in Bilzen-Hoeselt, various forms of impact protection were installed at strategic locations where collisions involving internal transport equipment could have significant consequences.
Among other things, columns in the dispatch area, data cabinets, meter cabinets and other vulnerable installations were protected against collisions with internal transport equipment.
In Warehouse 1, Axelent installed 61 bollards and 22 pieces of column protection, complemented by dozens of metres of various types of impact protection. In Warehouse 2, this included 63 bollards, 10 pieces of column protection and many metres of impact protection as well.
“Every location requires a targeted approach. Not all infrastructure is vulnerable in the same way, and traffic flows within a warehouse also differ from one zone to another. By adapting the protection to the areas where internal transport and critical infrastructure may intersect, we aim to minimise risks as much as possible through preventive measures.”
Protecting evacuation routes
Bollards were also installed to help keep evacuation routes clear and prevent important access routes from being blocked in the event of an emergency.
“This is not only about protecting physical installations, but equally about creating and maintaining a safe environment for the people who work on the site every day.”
The selected solutions serve several purposes. They help prevent material damage, protect critical infrastructure and contribute to a safe working environment for employees. Proactively protecting key areas also helps reduce the risk of accidents and potential operational downtime.
Phased installation
The installation was carried out in phases to align with the development and commissioning of DreamLand’s new site. Work in Warehouse 2 took place during the first half of February 2026, followed by Warehouse 1 in the second half of July 2026.
“For us, safety was not a separate element that was only addressed after the project was completed. It was an important consideration in the design and layout of both warehouses from the very beginning”.
Safety as an ongoing process
For DreamLand, safety does not stop once a project has been completed. Now that the new site is operational, the focus is shifting towards further optimisation of the logistics environment.
“We continuously evaluate where additional protective measures could add value and how we can further optimise the existing layout. We are now focused on optimising our new site to the fullest extent. Safety remains an ongoing priority,” says Frank Nolmans.
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