Prologis is planning an extensive brownfield project in Bottrop, Germany: The company will develop a sustainable logistics facility of approximately 57,200 square meters with two buildings for the Japanese logistics service provider Yusen Logistics (Deutschland) GmbH. Previously, a steel production company occupied the site.

The facility in Bottrop will serve as Yusen Logistics’ new European central warehouse for an international customer with growth requirements. The central location offers an excellent opportunity to attract employees. At the same time, the site’s efficient transport links facilitate day-to-day operations and support efficient supply chains.

“Bottrop scored particularly well with its excellent location and good workforce availability,” says Thomas Heidlberger, general manager Germany, contract logistics at Yusen Logistics (Deutschland) GmbH. “As an experienced developer, Prologis also impressed us with the quality of the planned building and the schedule. With this pioneering project, we at Yusen Logistics, together with Prologis, are not only setting new standards in the logistics industry, but also underlining our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. We are proud to be part of this impressive logistics project and look forward to implementing our joint project in Bottrop.”

Prologis welcomes the opportunity to work on the ambitious brownfield project with Yusen Logistics. “As part of the NYK Group, Yusen Logistics is a long-standing customer with whom we have a trusting working relationship in several countries,” says Christina Deuß, director, capital deployment at Prologis. “We currently have several active leases with the customer, including locations in Germany, for example, in Hamburg-Hausbruch and Alzenau.” 

Site history

Prologis acquired the property from the previous owner in 2020 as part of a sale-leaseback acquisition. Prologis used the leaseback period to prepare and submit the building application, which was approved in June 2023. The consulting firm Colliers International Deutschland GmbH acted as agent.

“The sale-leaseback acquisition was an ideal interim solution for both the previous owner and for us until the demolition of the five-decade-old facility,” says Björn Thiemann, senior vice president, regional head Northern Europe at Prologis. “We are now looking forward to starting construction work on this challenging project shortly.”

Demolition work began in February 2023 and was carried out by the general contractor for the project, Goldbeck International. During the process, crews discovered two unexploded bombs. One was defused; the other was detonated in a controlled implosion onsite. The northern section of the site was cleared in compliance with the strictest official requirements. Construction work will start in November 2023 with completion scheduled for the end of November 2024, and Yusen Logistics will move into the facility in December 2024.

Sustainability flagship 

Development of the site focuses on sustainability and offers a number of community benefits. One asset for neighboring businesses will be reconstruction of the drainage system, a process that will prevent seepage from the former industrial site and improve the drainage of Braker Strasse to prevent it from flooding during heavy rainfall. Sustainability and other components of the project include:
 

• Certifications: The building will be constructed in accordance with Germany’s BEG-40 standard and follow criteria for the international WELL Building Standard Gold certification. The aim is to also achieve DGNB Platinum certification.
   
• Energy: The facility’s temperatures will be regulated with heat pumps, aligning with Prologis’ strategy to develop gas-independent structures. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of both buildings, and the photovoltaic system is expected to generate more energy than Yusen Logistics (Deutschland) will need for operations.
   
• Carbon dioxide emissions: The project, which relies exclusively on sustainable supply solutions, is expected to avert more than 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. 
   
• Electric charging: 10% of car parking and half of bicycle parking will have electric charging stations. Empty conduits for future upgrades will be laid as part of the construction work. 
   
• Disabled access: Barrier-free access to the facility will be offered via elevators, among other options. 
   
• Native plants: 170 native trees will be planted, significantly enhancing the area and replacing invasive Japanese knotweed.
   
• Wildlife habitat: As part of the demolition work, Prologis created replacement habitat for a buzzard living on the neighboring site and hung nesting baskets. A bee hotel protects insects from predators and the weather.
   
• Green facades: The front and main entrance will be greened, as well as the interior mezzanine levels in two of the six units. 

Local institution remains 

In line with Prologis’ Parklife™ concept, which offers more than just logistics space to the community inside and outside logistics parks, the takeout restaurant that has operated on the property for approximately 40 years will remain. The long-standing operator will continue to run the business and sell food to both employees at the logistics park and others in the community. Onsite, there will also be an outdoor gym, pingpong tables and seating for use by Yusen Logistics employees.