Oxylane, the parent company of Décathlon, laid the symbolic foundation stone of a future distribution center in Rouvignies last Dec. 10, in the presence of representatives from local authorities. Set to be inaugurated in the autumn of 2013, the new logistical platform will start with a surface of 57,000 square meters, building up gradually to 75,000 square meters. It is expected to process 70 million items per year. Oxylane chose the location, near Valenciennes and the French border with Belgium, to service its stores in Northern Europe and for its proximity to a river, as one of its objectives is to transport at least half of its merchandise by waterways, reducing CO² emissions by 75 percent. Another reason for the choice was the support of local authorities, which are investing a total of €1,840,000 in the €35 million project on condition that it will create 250 jobs in the region. Oxylane plans to hire 150 people at the opening of the facility. Sandra Fantino, aged 33, will manage the new structure. Recently, Fantino worked with managerial and training responsibilities at the group's continental platform in Dourges, also in the North of France. She has been with Oxylane since 2001.

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