Official opening of Logistics Centre Soesterberg strengthens cooperation and supports future-ready defence logistics
Rhenus and the Dutch Ministry of Defence have officially opened the new Logistics Centre Soesterberg (LCS), marking an important milestone in their strategic partnership. The state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated by the Dutch Minister of Defence and Rhenus Group CEO Tobias Bartz, will serve as a key logistics hub for the Royal Netherlands Army. The opening represents a significant step towards strengthening the efficiency, reliability and resilience of military supply chains.
Combining expertise to strengthen defence logistics
In an increasingly complex security environment, reliable logistics are essential to maintaining operational readiness. The ability to ensure the timely availability of equipment and supplies is critical to the effectiveness and continuity of military operations.
The Logistics Centre Soesterberg brings together the operational expertise of the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the logistics capabilities of Rhenus. Through this partnership, both organisations are working to establish a modern, efficient and future-ready logistics operation that can respond to evolving requirements.
The new facility uses advanced warehouse systems to efficiently store, manage and prepare materials for distribution to military units. By combining modern logistics technology with streamlined processes and close operational cooperation, the centre contributes to a reliable and responsive supply chain.
A partnership built on shared responsibility
At the heart of the cooperation between Rhenus and the Dutch Ministry of Defence is the principle of working shoulder to shoulder. This approach reflects a shared commitment to operational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
Rather than operating as separate organisations, Rhenus and Defence combine their respective strengths to achieve common objectives. The partnership demonstrates how private-sector logistics expertise and military operational knowledge can complement each other in a strategically important environment.
The Dutch Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius emphasises the importance of this collaboration:
“With the Soesterberg Logistics Centre, we are investing in the further modernisation of defence logistics,” said Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius during the opening. “This centre brings people, processes and technology together and demonstrates what the government and the private sector can achieve when they work together.”
For Rhenus, the opening marks an important milestone in a partnership built on shared expertise and long-term commitment.
Markus Simons, Managing Director of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Netherlands, adds:
"Logistics Centre Soesterberg is the result of intensive cooperation between Defence, Rhenus and many other parties involved. By combining logistics expertise from the private sector with the operational knowledge of Defence, we have laid the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on reliability, flexibility and continuous improvement."
Supporting resilient and future-ready supply chains
The opening of Logistics Centre Soesterberg comes at a time when supply chain resilience and operational flexibility are becoming increasingly important across Europe.
For Rhenus, the project demonstrates the value of close collaboration between public and private partners in addressing complex logistics challenges. By bringing together specialised expertise, modern infrastructure and advanced logistics processes, such partnerships can contribute to stronger and more adaptable supply chains.
The facility also reflects a shared ambition to continuously improve logistics operations while supporting long-term efficiency and sustainability.
A new chapter in long-term cooperation
With the official opening of Logistics Centre Soesterberg, Rhenus and the Dutch Ministry of Defence enter a new phase of their cooperation.
The focus will remain on delivering reliable logistics services, continuously improving operational processes and adapting to changing requirements.
For Rhenus, the partnership underlines the importance of logistics as a strategic enabler in complex and mission-critical environments.
Together with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Rhenus is committed to building a resilient, flexible and future-ready logistics operation that supports the readiness of the Dutch armed forces.
