Delhaize Winery

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Flexible electrical systems powering sustainable wine production

In September 2022, Delhaize opened a state-of-the-art wine bottling facility in Kobbegem, covering a production area of 9,500 m². As the largest of its kind in the Benelux, the plant is capable of processing up to 36 million litres of wine annually. Spread over three floors—including a basement with a storage capacity of three million litres—the facility is designed for both production efficiency and long-term sustainability.

By importing wine in bulk and bottling it locally, Delhaize significantly reduces transportation costs and lowers its environmental footprint. This investment in local, sustainable production underlines the retailer’s commitment to operational efficiency and eco-conscious business practices.

General project info

Client

Delhaize

Engineering office

Istema

Project timeline

2020 – 2022

Total contract value

Approx. €30,000,000

The project

VMA was entrusted with the complete delivery of electrical installations for Delhaize’s new wine bottling plant, covering both low-voltage and high-voltage systems. The scope of work included:

Low-voltage installations:
Data cabling, server racks, fire detection systems, and wiring for access control and intrusion detection.

High-voltage installations:
Main and secondary distribution boards, lighting systems, and cabling for the machinery, as well as electrical systems for the laboratory and the vinotheque.

A key highlight of the project was the engineering and in-house production of three main distribution panels and fifteen secondary boards by VMA’s internal team. Each board was custom-designed to meet strict requirements, including usage in low-flashpoint areas and wet-cleaning environments. The panels serving the production lines were also engineered with modularity in mind, enabling easier upgrades in the future.

Key challenges

Integration of existing systems:
Critical legacy equipment, such as backup generators and compressors, had to be incorporated into the new design. This required meticulous specification reviews and adjustments to cable sizing and load calculations.

Supply chain disruptions:
Global supply issues between 2020 and 2022 affected the availability of some components. VMA worked closely with suppliers to identify temporary alternatives that ensured project continuity without compromising on safety or functionality.

The outcome

The result is a future-proof electrical installation that combines reliability, flexibility, and energy efficiency. Fully integrated with the building management system, the setup gives Delhaize detailed insight into energy consumption and allows rapid response in the event of any disruption. The scalable infrastructure also facilitates future investment in new machinery. Through close collaboration with all stakeholders, VMA ensured a smooth and successful delivery — to the full satisfaction of Delhaize.

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