Boeing is opening a newly built distribution center for chemical and specialty materials distribution north of Hamburg on Oct. 26.

The 200,000-ft.² center in Henstedt-Ulzburg, Germany, places those products closer to customers. There are plans to serve 6,000 airlines, suppliers and component manufacturers from this site, which Boeing says will be one of its most state-of-the-art facilities.

Distributing chemicals and specialty materials is a part of Boeing Global Services’ growth strategy. The OEM already has a presence in Hamburg, which made Henstedt-Ulzburg a natural location from which to serve the region.

“With chemicals, there are different requirements, whether freezer, EH&S and certification” that need extra attention, including from the people handling the shipping of them, says William Ampofo, Boeing Global Services’ senior VP of parts & distribution services and supply chain.

Some Boeing employees from the area are moving to the new facility, but the company is in the process of hiring and training 200-250 people, Ampofo adds.

The opening of this facility should quicken shipments to the region and provide increased levels of service, including the chemical recording requirements associated with the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restrictions of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. REACH took effect in 2007.

Boeing is seeking Gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council for this new facility.