BRUSSELS, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodman, the global integrated property group that owns, develops and manages logistics space, is constructing a 24,000 sqm export hub for Volkswagen in the Duisburg-Kasslerfeld port and logistics area of Duisport. From the trimodal location, the automotive manufacturer will operate its Completely Knocked Down (CKD) business for non-European countries.
The new development in Duisport is being undertaken through the conversion of a 50,000 sqm brownfield site. Goodman will regenerate the site and develop it into a new export hub for Volkswagen. The CKD business will occupy and supply automotive components to all of its non-European plants. The handover of the completed facility is planned for the first quarter of 2014.
"Following the successful development of a 45,000 sqm facility in Hanover, Goodman's German team will now undertake another significant project for Volkswagen," said Philippe Van der Beken, Managing Director, Goodman Continental Europe.
"Duisport is a further example of how Goodman is generating opportunities by actively identifying and converting a former industrial site to deliver new logistics space at an internationally significant logistics site. It follows our recent announcement of a 33,000 sqm logistics centre being developed for Daimler on a disused industrial site in Bremen," he added.
Construction of the new export hub commenced in July and has been designed to meet the specific requirements of the automotive industry. The facility will consist of a 20,000 sqm storage area, with over 3,000 sqm for loading and unloading trucks and a 1,000 sqm loading bay.
Duisport is a multimodal logistics hub, situated on the river Rhine and is Europe's largest inland port. Volkswagen benefits from Duisport's connection to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, in addition to its convenient rail and motorway access.
Goodman is developing the property in accordance with the latest environmental and sustainability standards. These include light bands in the facade and light domes in the roof, which guarantee a high level of daylight and good working conditions. Furthermore, an automatic light control system reduces the energy costs for lighting. Goodman will seek silver certification of the property from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).
The new development at the Duisport site is one of a number of automotive projects that Goodman currently has under construction, in Germany. The Group is developing 14,300 sqm for the automotive logistician Schnellecke in Leipzig as well as the aforementioned 33,000 sqm distribution centre for Daimler in Bremen. Both properties will be delivered in the autumn of 2013.
Goodman currently has 12 projects under construction across continental Europe and manages a portfolio of 117 properties equating to 4.5 million sqm in assets under management as at 31 March 2013.
To watch some recent films about Goodman's activity, including the press conference in Duisport to announce this deal, please click here:
http://vimeopro.com/goodmaneurope/mediaportal
About Goodman
Goodman is an integrated property group that owns, develops and manages logistics and business space across Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the Asia-Pacific region, North America and Brazil. The Group invests in industrial estates and warehouse and distribution centes.
Goodman also offers a range of listed and unlisted property funds, giving investors access to a range of specialist services and property assets, and is working continually to build value in industrial property and fund management, with innovative new developments, and business and investment offerings.
With total assets under management of €17.2 billion and over 400 properties under management, Goodman is the largest industrial listed property group on the Australian Stock Exchange, and one of the largest listed specialist fund managers globally. Its market insight and dedicated local teams create sound investment opportunities and develop properties and environments that meet each client's individual requirements.
With more than 1,000 staff and 36 offices in 18 countries, Goodman has the global reach to meet customers' needs as their businesses expand or evolve. In Europe, Goodman has offices in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden and the UK.
For more information please visit: www.goodman.com/de
For further information, please contact:
Goodman
Majella O Doherty
+32-2-263-4068
majella.odoherty@goodman.com
