The first BILLA CEE warehouse that does not use fossil fuels for heating opened in Bulgaria. With the opening of the Zagore site, BILLA is shortening the route of its products to consumers. Zagore will supply almost 70 stores in Eastern Bulgaria.
As REWE Group, we take responsibility for climate protection and help shape the energy transition. We are committed to comprehensive measures that effectively reduce our CO2 emissions - in line with the science-based net-zero standard of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our ambitious goal is to achieve net-zero emissions as a Group by 2050.Our modern retail properties, such as the new BILLA warehouse in Bulgaria, also contribute to this.
Technical innovations are at the centre of the new building: a photovoltaic system supplies 40 percent of the electricity required and the building does not use fossil fuels for heating. Instead, the waste heat from the cooling system is used for heating. An innovative underfloor heating system, rainwater utilisation and a building management system (BMS system) for energy monitoring are further highlights. The base has five temperature zones to optimise the storage of different goods.
The new logistics centre in Bulgaria focuses on technical innovation and local ties. An impressive graffiti, created by an internationally recognised Bulgarian graffiti artist, adorns the warehouse and shows typical symbols of Bulgaria such as fruit, vegetables, roses and the coast. The slogan "We Love Bulgaria" emphasises the connection to the local community.
The warehouse supplies almost 70 markets in Eastern Bulgaria, including cities such as Varna, Burgas and Ruse. With a total area of 60,000 square metres and around 200 employees, the base has a capacity of 5,800 pallet spaces. Around 200 employees process 1.2 million crates per month. Each year, 14.4 million crates are handled.
The warehouse is located near the village of Zagore in the municipality of Stara Zagora. It is BILLA's third logistics location in Bulgaria.
Great importance for the economic development of the region
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov attended the official opening of the new logistics centre.
Dilov emphasised the importance of the new logistics centre for the economic and social development of the region. "The expansion of the activities of investors like your company in Bulgaria is a recognition of our efforts to create a favourable business environment and attract quality investments," Minister Dilov told BILLA Bulgaria at the opening ceremony.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Economy also emphasised the importance of the warehouse location for the Bulgarian economy, as it creates new jobs, increases productivity and gross domestic product and brings tax benefits to the state.
With over 5,700 employees, BILLA is the fifth largest employer in Bulgaria. Around 200 employees work at the new site, with the prospect of further growth. The company is thus contributing to the economic development of the Stara Zagora region. In addition, dozens of other companies from the region are linked to BILLA's activities, including construction and security firms as well as maintenance and service companies.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov welcomed the company's active co-operation with Bulgarian producers with more than 180 fruit and vegetable plantations, greenhouses and vineyards. According to him, this not only helps local producers to reach the Bulgarian market, but also to sell their products in Europe.