Grupo Bimbo to deepen ‘green’ footprint with $1.5m distribution center

29-Jul-2013 - Last updated on 30-Jul-2013 at 16:19 GMT

Grupo Bimbo has inaugurated its new eco-friendly distribution center - plans to pump $1.5bn into it

Grupo Bimbo will pump 20 million pesos ($1.5m) into a new eco-friendly distribution center in Mexico City as part of its drive towards a fully sustainable supply chain.

The new ‘Ecologic Sales Center’ in Mexico City will be the base for a 73-strong fleet of electric-powered distribution vans that will cater to local business.

The center will have rainfall collection systems, a wind turbine and solar cells and will recycle water to wash the Bimbo distribution vehicles.

Speaking at the inauguration, Grupo Bimbo CEO Daniel Servitje said the center works to “complete the sustainable cycle” of Bimbo’s distribution.

Earlier wind investments

In October last year, the Mexican titan opened a $200m wind farm in the state of Oaxaca to supply electricity to 45 facilities across Mexico, covering most of Grupo Bimbo’s operations in the country.

This wind energy is used to power the 73 vehicles that will be based at Bimbo’s new distribution center.

“The new Ecologic Sales Center will meet the company’s distribution needs in the downtown area of Mexico City with a new fleet moved by wind,” said president of Bimbo S.A. Javier González Franco.

The engine technology used in the vans has been developed by Grupo Bimbo technicians, he added.

Green investments welcomed

The mayor of Mexico City Miguel Ángel Mancera and two federal undersecretaries from the department of energy and the environment - Leonardo Beltrán Rodríguez and Rafael Pacchiano Alamán - attended the inauguration.

All three welcomed Grupo Bimbo’s efforts to launch projects like the new distribution center as it stimulated involvement from broader enterprises and government.