Coevorden is increasingly manifesting itself as the logistics gateway of the Northern Netherlands. The Logistics Knowledge Center (LKC) started in the city on Wednesday.
Everything, and preferably everything that can be done in the field of logistics, must be able to find a place in the Logistics Knowledge Center that Coevorder councilor Steven Stegen opened on Wednesday. Kasper Heijnen is a coordinator at the center. He sets the bar high. “In fact, all questions that arise should be answered here.”
Drenthe, Groningen and Germany
Heijnen says that the center is intended for all educational institutions in Drenthe, but also parts of Groningen and even Germany. This week there will be a first exchange project with German students, he says.
What exactly can students do? “Getting to know logistics. But also gaining knowledge or sharing knowledge and carrying out projects. Companies, in turn, can submit issues here and look for a solution with the help of students.”
The idea of a logistics center has been around for some time. Originally, the Alfa College wanted to start its own knowledge center for logistics. “We came into contact with Dutch Techzone. Together with them we have worked towards a larger context.”
In Dutch Techzone, the municipalities of Coevorden, Hoogeveen, Emmen and Hardenberg work together with the business community and education to create a good business climate in the region.
Educational institutions but also Defense and UMCG
In addition to educational institutions such as NHL Stenden, Windesheim, Drenthe College, Noorderpoort, Roelof van Echten and De Nieuwe Veste, the business community is closely involved in logistics information in Coevorden. “Think of the transport companies here in Coevorden, Euroterminal, but also Defense and the UMCG.”
It is not surprising that the center is located in Coevorden. The city is, says Alderman Stegen, a logistics hub. “Along the A37 and N34 and with the Euroterminal.”
The LKC is currently housed at the Institute for Safety and Environment in Coevorden. Heijnen hopes to have his own place in the future. “De Nieuwe Veste is going to build new… you never know.”