Prologis completed a new distribution center in Hünxe (near Düsseldorf), Germany, for a major international beverage producer. After only seven months of construction, the facility is open and features high sustainability standards.
“We put ourselves on a very tight schedule,” said Philipp Feige, vice president, market officer Germany, Prologis. “Construction work began at the end of July 2019, and the spaces have been available to users for test operations since mid-January. This meant we were able to officially hand over the distribution center at the end of February.”
The facility offers approximately 22,000 square meters of logistics space and is well situated with access to the A3, A59, and A31 motorways. The beverage producer will supply markets in Germany and the Benelux countries from this location.
Commitment to the Municipality of Hünxe
“A long-term commitment to the communities in which we are active is one of our top priorities,” said Feige. “When carrying out the project in Hünxe, we once again considered how we could make a meaningful contribution and which factors would benefit the community. Together with the beverage producer, we were able to secure long-term jobs for Hünxe, among other measures.”
In addition, transparency is extremely important to Prologis. The team ensured the municipality of Hünxe was involved in every step of the planning and development process. With the development of this facility, Prologis expanded the existing logistics park in Hünxe, which now covers around 88,000 square meters. The team also deepened the company’s already-existing partnership with the municipality. “As part of the cornerstone ceremony, we presented a donation to the local daycare center,” said Feige. “These small gestures show the citizens and local organizations that we have taken a close interest in their concerns and are happy to contribute to ongoing projects.”
Clear Focus on Sustainability
Prologis addressed the issue of sustainability seriously with the project in Hünxe. “From a technological standpoint, the distribution center was built according to Prologis’ own standards,” explained Markus Scheidemantel, project manager Germany, Prologis. “These far exceed the legal requirements.” For example, the building is fully equipped with energy-saving LED lighting and features electric-powered forklifts, instead of gas.
Furthermore, the Prologis team worked closely with recognized experts to define and implement detailed wildlife conservation measures. Together they created alternative habitats in Hünxe for native animal species, as well as a place for swallows to breed.
Prologis aims to have the facility awarded a gold certificate by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).