Goodman Group is developing a 31,000m² logistics centre for its new customer Fressnapf, Europe’s market leader in pet supplies. Scheduled for completion in December 2016, the €18m investment will be developed on a 47,000m converted brownfield site in the Port of Duisburg, the world’s largest inland port.
Fressnapf is the leading pet supply retail chain based in Krefeld, Germany. Since opening its first store in 1990, Fressnapf has constantly grown, with over 1,400 stores in 11 European countries. As a result of its ongoing expansion, Fressnapf required a new logistics space close to its head office, located around 10km from the port.
The facility for Fressnapf features 31,000m² of storage space and has a hall height of 12.2m that allows for the integration of high storage racks and a mezzanine of 1,800m². The additional hall height and the 29 loading gates will help ensure efficient intra-logistics. Large windows will provide plenty of daylight and the entire warehouse will be fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting. Because of the property’s sustainability features, the building will receive a Gold certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) on completion.
“Goodman is developing a state-of-the-art property for us in one of the most attractive logistics locations in Germany. The ideal location of the new logistics facility and its design tailored to our needs, particularly the increased hall height, will further optimise our supply chain to support our growth strategy,” said Alfred Glander, manager of goods, logistics and cross-channel marketing at Fressnapf.
As the leading logistics hub in Central Europe, the Port of Duisburg proved to be the best location for Fressnapf, which will use the site as an import centre for goods coming from Asia and North America, after which they are further distributed to its franchise partner stores and the company’s own network of stores.
Goodman is developing the new facility on an old industrial site, utilising its extensive experience in brownfield development, which can often involve complex permitting, the treatment of polluted land and carefully managing demolition. Including the project in Duisburg, the group is currently developing over 210,000m² of logistics space on brownfield sites out of a total of 360,000m² for its customers across Germany.
“Land is becoming increasingly scarce in key logistics locations in western Germany, requiring the conversion of brownfield sites, which can often be a complicated and technical process. However, Goodman has developed some of the most extensive experience on the market today and we are able to capitalise on our expertise to find the best locations for our customers to facilitate the growth of their businesses,” said Jordan Corynen, Goodman Regional Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The Port of Duisburg features over 2 million m² of warehousing space and benefits from extensive rail and convenient connections to Europe and Asia as well as to the A3, A40, A42, A57 and A59 motorways. Because of its multimodal infrastructure and the wide offer of integrated logistics services, the Port of Duisburg is one of the top-performing logistics hubs for combined transport.
“The logistics area logport I offers optimal conditions for the new import hub of Fressnapf and guarantees the quick and reliable shipment of goods throughout Europe. We are pleased to support the group’s dynamic development,” said Erich Staake, chairman of the board of Duisburger Hafen AG.
After completion of the new development, Goodman will manage around 185,000m² of logistics space in the Duisburg region for Amazon, DHL, Fressnapf, HAVI Logistics and Volkswagen.
