The southern Italian logistics market has achieved a significant milestone as a joint venture between Stoneweg and Bain Capital successfully secured its first tenant at their newly completed 55,000 m² logistics facility near Bari. The deal with Stante Logistics for 10,605 m² on a 6+6-year lease validates the strategic positioning of premium logistics assets in Italy's emerging southern corridor, where vacancy rates have tightened to just 4%.
The facility, designed to Grade-A specifications with 12-metre clear internal heights and LEED Gold certification, represents a new standard for sustainable logistics infrastructure in the region. Located in Modugno within the Adriatica Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the development benefits from Italy's enhanced tax incentives and reduced bureaucratic barriers, offering occupiers up to 50% corporate tax reductions and accelerated depreciation allowances - a critical factor often overlooked by international investors evaluating Italian logistics opportunities.
Stante Logistics, with over 45 years of experience in sustainable intermodal transport solutions, becomes the anchor tenant in what signals growing confidence in southern Italy's logistics infrastructure. The company's commitment to the facility underscores the region's evolution from a secondary market to a strategic gateway for European distribution networks, particularly as supply chains diversify away from traditional northern European hubs.
The investment thesis gains further momentum from the joint venture's recent €200m forward purchase commitment for six Grade-A logistics warehouses totalling 225,000 m² across Florence, Rome, and Bologna, scheduled for delivery by 2028. This portfolio approach demonstrates institutional confidence in Italy's logistics sector transformation, driven by e-commerce growth and nearshoring trends reshaping European supply chains.
Alessandro Marrese, Senior Director Investment Italy at Stoneweg, commented: "This first letting at our state-of-the-art Bari asset is a strong endorsement of the asset's quality, as well as our commitment to delivering logistics space that meets the needs of blue-chip occupiers. Alongside Bain Capital, we have delivered a scheme that combines sustainable design with operational excellence, and which reflects the JV's long-term commitment to creating future-ready infrastructure across Italy. With vacancy rates in Italy close to 4%, we are seeing strong interest for the remaining units."
Donato Stante, founder of Stante Logistics, added: "This new site strengthens our presence in Southern Italy and supports our commitment to providing efficient, high-quality logistics solutions nationwide. Bari confirms its strategic role in our development: the new hub is a tangible investment in innovation and sustainability, serving our customers."
People mentioned:
- Alessandro Marrese, Senior Director of Investment Italy at Stoneweg
- Donato Stante, Founder of Stante Logistics
Companies mentioned:
- Stoneweg - Alternative investment platform specialising in Real Assets
- Bain Capital - Global private investment firm
- Stante Logistics - Italian logistics and transport operator
- VLD - Developer
Image Source: Stoneweg
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