Oxylane will open a new logistics center for Europe at the Rouvignies Airfield industrial park near Valenciennes, France. The logistics center will cover 57,000 sq. meters, with plans to expand eventually to 75 000 sq. meters, supplying Decathlon stores in northern Europe.

This new site will employ nearly 250 people, mainly as warehouse personnel, and will “meet a need for additional logistical capacity for northern Europe,” said a group spokesperson.

The company considered several possible sites, including one in Belgium. Oxylane ultimately chose the 17 acres offered by Valenciennes, which is situated along a principal highway, but especially because of the site's proximity to the Scheldt River. The group intends to handle half of its logistics by waterway transport.

Oxylane, active in two dozen countries under its main label Decathlon, reported sales of 6.5 billion euros in 2011. The new center will house storage areas, offices and technology facilities, represents a 35 million euro investment for the company.