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Sep 15, 2020 at 4:50 PMThe Swiss Post today inaugurates its new parcel center in Vétroz in the canton of Valais. With this step, the previous centers in Bex, Brig, Siders, and Sion are consolidated at one location. The workforce consists of 130 people, about 20 more than before.
(Bern/Vétroz) The conveyor belts in the new parcel center of the Swiss Post in Vétroz (VS) are already running at full speed. Stefan Luginbühl, Head of National/International Parcels, and Christophe Darbellay, President of the Valais State Council, inaugurated the new location of the Swiss Post today, which also features a huge photovoltaic system installed on its roof. The Post invested around 60 million francs in the construction and infrastructure of the third of a total of four new regional parcel centers: a clear commitment by the Post to the canton of Valais. In the future, parcel processing will take place directly in the region. This will shorten transport times and allow for faster processing of packages from other centers.
22 Months of Construction
After 22 months of construction, the Post is putting its third regional parcel center into operation on the industrial site Botza in the municipality of Vétroz in Valais. “This center in Valais marks an important step,” says Stefan Luginbühl, Head of National/International Parcels at the Swiss Post. “The Post is responding to the biggest challenges in the parcel market: strong growth and the increase in priority packages. At the same time, we can demonstrate our commitment to the region.” Christophe Darbellay, President of the State Council and Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Education of the canton of Valais, emphasizes: “Valais welcomes the opening of the new distribution center: it enables us to maintain jobs and create new ones. We see the Post’s investment as a concession to continue operating in the canton.” In the new center, the activities of the four previous logistics locations in Bex, Brig, Sion, and Siders are consolidated. 130 employees will be transferred to this location. Additionally, the Post has hired around 20 new employees, bringing the workforce in Vétroz to 150 people.
Additional Impulse for Online Trade Due to the Corona Crisis
The Post recognized the potential of online trade years ago and quickly adapted its logistics business by expanding its service offerings. Online trade is growing significantly every year, and with it, the volume of packages: the Post processed 148 million packages last year. Ten years ago, it was still 110 million packages. To meet the demand, the Post is investing more than 190 million francs in new regional parcel centers. Cadenazzo (TI) and Ostermundigen (BE) have been in operation since October 2019 and March 2020, respectively. The operational start in Untervaz (GR) is expected in November 2020. The Corona crisis has given online trade an additional boost. “During this time, the number of packages increased daily, and the regional parcel centers were able to support us well in managing these record volumes,” explains Stefan Luginbühl.
8000 Packages per Hour
The location in Vétroz is particularly advantageous due to its central geographical position with good motorway connections. The fact that it is an industrial area not located near residential areas is also beneficial. Packages that are sent and delivered in the region no longer need to be transported to the parcel center in Daillens (VD). Vétroz will be connected to the existing infrastructure via direct connections: the so-called direct traffic network relieves the existing parcel centers, shortens distances and transport times, and reduces transport volume. This improves the service quality for the Post’s customers. The sorting capacity in Vétroz is designed for 8000 packages per hour.
One of the Largest Photovoltaic Systems in Valais
The location in Vétroz has a special feature: a huge photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof of the parcel center. With 4663 panels covering an area of over 7632 m2, the system will produce nearly 1564 MWh of electricity per year (equivalent to the needs of around 450 households). This makes it one of the most powerful PV systems in Valais. Photo: © Post www.post.ch
