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LED Showcases Warehouse Lighting

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ledvance is showcasing a range of lighting solutions to satisfy the unique requirements of production and storage facilities. Visual performance, comfort and ambience are key to such environments, and are impacted by the illumination level, quality of glare and brightness distribution of their lighting installations.

The requirements for a lighting system in a storage environment are diverse and a flexible system that can be easily adapted to changes in working processes is essential. The TruSys Flex Dali system is an ideal lighting control for an entire building that can manage over 1,000 individually addressed luminaires across rooms and floors, operated by simply using a pushbutton or app for smartphones/tablets. Energy-saving LED technology provides continuous operation and homogenous light distribution, with tool-free click into place solutions for an easy installation. Flexible application is possible due to a range of different lumen packages and beam angles.

A typical high-bay warehouse is characterised by high ceilings, narrow aisles and hardly any natural daylight. In addition, the large difference in brightness between indoor and outdoor areas produces a high risk of accidents in entrances and exits. Even from an exceptional ceiling height of nine metres, the Ledvance High Bay Dali LED luminaires provide uniformly good illumination, and the daylight control of the Dali-2 drivers enables additional potential for energy savings.

The luminaires can be combined with Vivares Dali light management, including presence and daylight control, for ultimate efficiency. For harsh industrial environments, the luminaires carry increased shock resistance (IK08), dust-proof design and protection against water jets (IP65).

In a production environment, the demands for a lighting system are varied: from rough manual work to fine assembly activities and visual inspections. The Ledvance Damp Proof Gen 2 Dali meets all these requirements with its high protection against shock, dust and water. It is fitted with easy to open/close stainless-steel fasteners without sharp edges, and holes for anti-vandalism screws. In a recent installation by Ledvance, a production facility measured an increase in illuminance of 20%, coupled with an impressive 68% reduction in energy costs. The luminaires can additionally be combined with Vivares Dali light management for further energy savings.

Loading areas are often particularly busy at night. With large trucks manoeuvring and goods being loaded and unloaded, the area quickly becomes crowded and difficult to keep track of. This makes lighting that provides orientation and safety all the more important. The Ledvance Floodlight performance is ideal for loading zones, as well as for facade illumination and lighting close to buildings. Energy savings of up to 90% can be achieved, compared to lighting with conventional technology, and the floodlight offers illuminance of at least 50 lux on average for busier areas. The floodlight also features strong robustness, including protection against moisture.

For facilities looking to retrofit LED lamps into an existing lighting solution, the Ledvance LED Tube range is an ideal first step. A stand-out product for production and storage environments is the LED Tube T8EM PRO, which has a full-glass portfolio to protect against bending and a shatterproof protection sheet. The product is VDE certified according to IEC62776 and low flicker according to EU 2019/2020 (SVM ≤0,4 / PstLM ≤ 1). The instant-on light operates in combination with sensor technology and the lamp also works at low temperatures.

 

St. Modwen lets Hatfield DC to Yodel

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics developer and manager St. Modwen has acquired a c.170,000 sq ft cross-docked distribution centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.

The high-specification distribution warehouse is located on the Hatfield Business Park, one of the South East’s premier distribution centres located  close to the A1 and M25, and just 22 miles north of Central London. The property is fully let to parcel delivery service Yodel, serving as one of its three national distribution hubs.

The asset comprises of high-quality distribution space, including 158 dock level loading doors, 233 HGV parking bays office accommodation and a staff welfare facility.

Hatfield is an established distribution location in the South East of England, with 83% of the UK’s population accessible within a four-hour HGV drive time. In addition, the local area’s population is forecast to grow by 4.7% over the next decade, compared to the UK average of 1.7%.

James Cooper, Head of Transaction, St Modwen Logistics, commented: “There has been a long-term shortage of modern logistics space across many areas in the South East of England. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a high-quality, exceptionally located warehouse let to a leading UK business, and continues our growth in the highly competitive submarkets in and around London.”

 

Construction starts on UK’s biggest Spec Shed

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing 1.3 million sq ft of logistics space, which will include the UK’s largest-ever speculative logistics building, in Avonmouth, Bristol.

The £280 million development, Panattoni Park Avonmouth, comprises of two units a 406,000 sq ft and 882,000 sq ft. The larger of the two will be the UK’s largest-ever speculatively built warehouse. Both units are being built in one phase and are expected to be completed in September 2023. ISG has been appointed main contractor.

The units will be built to a targeted BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ and benefit from extensive 50m yards, 17m + clear internal heights, generous car and lorry parking, and 8MVA of power.

Panattoni Park Avonmouth is strategically positioned for local and national distribution, London and the wider south east markets, Avonmouth Docks, Royal Portbury Docks, Bristol Airport, Avonmouth Rail Freight Terminal and Bristol Parkway train station, given the quick access to both the M4 and M5 motorways. The development is located close to leading logistics occupiers such as Amazon, DHL, The Range, TESCO and Lidl.

James Watson, Head of Development Southern England & London, Panattoni UK, said: “We closed the purchase of this site despite the current macro-economic challenges, but have conviction the logistics occupier market will continue to perform. Our continued commitment to the ‘big box’ market is shown with this being the largest speculative development in the UK. We are glad to be on-site with construction, providing much-needed space for such a supply constrained market. Practical Completion of Panattoni Park Avonmouth is September 2023.”

Robert Dobrzycki, CEO & Co-owner Panattoni Europe and India, said: “Developing the largest-ever speculative logistics building in the UK is testament to our global strategy of scaling up our developments at the highest level of quality and reflects our continuing confidence in the logistics sector as well as our desire to provide much-needed space for our international client base. Quality and a proven investment model – not just price competitiveness – are becoming our distinguishing factors in the real estate market.”

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DHL supports boohoo’s US expansion

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DHL Supply Chain, part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has been chosen by boohoo group plc to manage its first-ever US distribution centre. DHL Supply Chain will provide boohoo, which generates annual sales of over $2.4bn, with best-in-class warehousing solutions to enable the company’s expected growth in the US market.

As boohoo’s popularity in the US continues to grow, DHL Supply Chain will lead the operation of a new 1.1m sq ft distribution centre in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, southeast of Harrisburg. The location, expected to open in early 2023, will allow the company to offer next-day service to the New York City metro region, a key customer area for the fashion brand.

“Although boohoo has been servicing the US through its existing network in the UK since 2006, the company’s growing order volumes and customer demand on this side of the pond in recent years made a US-based distribution centre for direct-to-consumer fulfilment a necessity,” said Kraig Foreman, President, eCommerce, DHL Supply Chain. “Their new facility will reduce transportation costs, improve service, and drive greater agility and speed, getting the latest trends into customers’ hands faster. We’re proud to partner with boohoo as they invest in the US market and prepare for future growth.”

DHL Supply Chain will hire 1,000 associates in its first year at the state-of-the-art warehouse, with nearly 2,500 expected over the next three years. The site will feature several amenities, including a kitchen/canteen with fresh food prepared daily, as well as an on-site gym and activity area. The site also will include a recruiting and training centre to allow for faster hiring and training of new associates.

In line with its proven ability to apply emerging technologies to drive efficiency and productivity improvements for customers, through its accelerated digitalisation programme, DHL plans to introduce highly automated solutions, such as an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) and a high-speed pouch sorter at the boohoo site in the next three years. These systems work together to put away and replenish inventory in addition to providing picking and pack sortation. This will be one of the first sites within DHL Supply Chain’s operations to feature the technology and is one of the most cutting-edge warehousing solutions on the market.

“We have a loyal and growing customer base in the US and want to provide them with a faster and smoother service than we can currently offer from the UK.  Investing in our distribution network in the US illustrates the confidence we have to grow our business in this important market. We chose DHL Supply Chain as our logistics partner because of their industry-leading expertise in managing highly complex e-commerce operations and their proven track record with successful startups in the space,” said David James, Supply Chain Director.

“Our inventory management is an extremely important element of our overall business and our commitment to a superior customer experience. We trust DHL Supply Chain to handle our operations at our new US site, leveraging their commitment to advanced digitalisation to ensure we meet our customers’ expectations.”

Garbe breaks ground in Bodenheim

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony, construction work has officially begun on the logistics centre that Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is developing in Bodenheim, Rheinhessen (Mainz-Bingen district), Germany. The tenant of the property, which has a total area of 14,500 sq m, is atrikom fulfillment, a company specialising in e-commerce and advertising materials logistics as well as dialogue marketing. The new building is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023. Garbe Industrial Real Estate is investing around €23m in the site.

“Today sets the course for the successful implementation of our joint project,” Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board of Garbe Industrial Real Estate, emphasised on the occasion of the ground-breaking ceremony. The Hamburg-based project developer will build a property with a hall area of around 12,100 sq m on the 23,500 sq m site in the “Bürgel” industrial estate. In addition, there are 1,325 sq m for offices and social rooms. A further 1,000 sq m of usable space are planned on mezzanine floors.

For loading and unloading trucks the facility will be equipped with ten dock levellers and two ground-level sectional doors. Parking spaces for five trucks and 48 cars are provided in the outdoor area.

Atrikom fulfilment, headquartered in Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, will operate a state-of-the-art e-commerce warehouse from the middle of next year in the new building. “With the commissioning of the logistics centre in Bodenheim, we are expanding our network of locations and will supply our customers’ clients just in time from there in the future,” said Daniel Deckers, Managing Partner of atrikom fulfillment, explaining the importance the new building will have for the company. It sends several million letters and more than two million parcels per year.

The property in Bodenheim is located only a few hundred metres from the B 9 highway. It connects the site with Mainz, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt and the other metropolitan areas in the Rhine-Main region via motorways 60, 63 and 67.

The realisation of the property also focuses on the issue of sustainability. For the generation of renewable energy, a powerful photovoltaic system is being installed on the roof. The entire building will be equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting. The car parking areas and bicycle shelters will be equipped with e-charging stations. The outdoor area will be extensively landscaped with trees and shrubs and should offer opportunities for a quality retreat.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for certification in accordance with the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council for the new building. “The employees who will work in the logistics centre in the future and the surrounding area will benefit equally from the sustainable development of the property,” says local mayor Thomas Becker-Theilig with conviction.

Avocado distributor opens Dartford facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Mission Produce, a global leader in avocado marketing and distribution, is set to open its first UK facility at Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park in Dartford, Kent.

Covering 101,659 sq ft, the highly-sustainable building will be used as Mission’s state-of-the-art ripening, packing, and forward distribution centre which is expected to help streamline import logistics and reduce transit times to UK customers.

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in California, Mission specialises in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados. It has an established network of 12 ripening and distribution centres globally, with avocado packing facilities in key locations including California, Mexico and Peru, and additional sourcing capabilities in South Africa. Mission leverages its global presence to serve retail, wholesale, and food service customers in more than 25 countries.

Paul Frowde, Managing Director at Mission Produce UK, said: “The opening of this distribution facility is a milestone that represents a significant opportunity for our business as we expand into the UK market.

“Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park location was the ideal choice, blending a strategic location with a high-quality facility designed to streamline our operations. Its sustainable features and use of renewable energy are also expected to promote energy, cost and maintenance savings as we strive to maximise efficiency.”

Crossways Commercial Park’s strategic location, places 11.7 million consumers within a 60-minute drivetime. Its prime position, adjacent to Junction 1a of the M25, offers fast access to London and the national motorway network.

Developed to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification, the facility promotes energy efficiency aligning with Mission’s strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. It features a 490kWp rooftop array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

With the facility expected to open in early 2023, Mission is currently undertaking a highly specialised fit-out, including the installation of a 3,000 sq ft mezzanine and a variety of cutting-edge features. Grading visibility technology to reduce handling and minimise fruit damage, advanced testing machinery to determine stages of ripeness with precision, and specialised heating and cooling systems are just some of the systems being implemented to help Mission optimise its operations and provide customers with year-round supply of the world’s finest avocados.

The Crossways Commercial Park location will also be Mission’s first facility to feature “Mission Control” technology in dedicated ripening rooms. Using a specialised atmosphere control process, this innovative system can create the optimal environment for ripening, which in turn helps enhance product quality, extend product shelf life and reduce waste.

George Glennie, development director at Goodman, said: “Crossways Commercial Park is our most sustainable UK development, with cutting-edge technology and investment in on-site renewables.

“Combined with a prime M25 location, Crossways Commercial Park offers fast access to large consumer markets, maximising logistical efficiencies and supporting Mission in its next phase of growth.”

The news follows Goodman’s leasing of Crossways 138 – another unit in Crossways Commercial Park – to premium ingredients supplier, Albion Fine Foods, leaving just one 240,884 sq ft unit remaining.

Research confirms UK’s logistics sector is buoyant

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Against a challenging financial and economic backdrop and heightened business uncertainty, there continues to be robust activity in the industrial and logistics sector, according to latest research from Colliers. The firm has reported that take-up for units over 100,000 sq ft reached 9.6 million sq ft in Q3 2022.

Len Rosso, head of Industrial & Logistics at Colliers, explains: “This take-up figure is 12.6% down quarter-on-quarter, taking the total to end-Q3 to 31.5 million sq ft, a 22% drop when compared to the first three quarters of 2021. However, if we look at the immediate 48-month activity prior to Covid-19, Q3 take-up remains elevated and resulted in an increase of 13% over the average quarterly take-up for the period 2018/2019.”

In addition, the data reveals that occupiers are continuing to target Grade A space in Q3 with take-up for speculative units accounting for 50% of total take-up, while purpose-built space recorded a 26% share. Second-hand space accounted for 24% of take-up.

The research also states that the flight to quality is somewhat driven by occupiers placing greater importance on a building’s ESG credentials. However, it is also dictated by a low level of supply where occupier requirements are likely to be satisfied by the provision of speculatively developed space. Some occupiers are also likely to be planning in advance and opting for purpose-built warehouses to fit in line with their long-term business strategies. Yet given the current issues in the UK’s economy, occupiers will find it increasingly difficult to plan.

When analysing the most recent data for online sales from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), online retailing sales volumes saw a monthly contraction of 2.6% in August 2022, following an increase of 4.8% in July 2022. Despite this fall, online sales volumes are 24.4% above their pre-Covid-19 February 2020 levels.

Andrea Ferranti, head of Industrial & Logistics research at Colliers, said: “Due to a natural drop in online retail sales, when compared to the record levels witnessed over 2021 and 2022, Q3 saw an average occupier deal size of 233,000 sq ft, down 35% year-on-year. While this figure is an indication of where the market may be heading over the next 12 to 15 months, it is worth highlighting that more data is needed over the next couple of quarters, into 2023, to ascertain where we are up to. We expect global multi-national businesses to continue to seek large warehouse space to drive efficiencies while future-proofing supply chain operations.”

Colliers’ latest industrial and logistics research also reveals that supply remains extremely low at 17.8 million sq ft and the scheduled delivery of 18 million sq ft of speculatively developed space this year has not been enough to relieve pressure in the market. Furthermore, 50% of this has either let or is under offer.

Ferranti adds: “We are currently monitoring circa 8.3 million sq ft of new speculative space under construction with scheduled delivery for 2023. As a result, rents are increasing across the board with the latest monthly MSCI figures recording an average annual rental growth to August of 14.2% for distribution warehouses and 12.8% for standard industrial assets. We expect a continuation of rental growth over the next 12-months but at a slower pace due to a challenging economic outlook.”

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Demand for UK Logistics Space Hits Record Levels

 

stow Robotics starts new automation campus

Posted on by David Priestman

stow Robotics, part of stow Group, a global leader in industrial storage solutions, will expand its high-end production activity on the WDP site in Lokeren. Early 2023, the specialist in innovative warehouse automation solutions will move into the high-profile location along the E17 in Lokeren, which WDP acquired in 2021 through a sale-and-lease-back operation with DPG Media Services.

The part of the buildings previously set up for the printing activities of DPG Media Services will be converted into a campus for stow Robotics. stow Robotics was founded at the end of 2021, is growing rapidly, and focuses on the development, production and commercialisation of automated and robotic warehouse solutions. The building will be set up as a fully-fledged stow campus with a multi-level production area, an R&D centre, a showroom and offices for sales and after-sales activities. stow Robotics will use a total surface area of approximately 24,000 sq m on this site on the basis of a long-term lease.

“The site is a unique opportunity for the further expansion of our robotics activities. The central location, extensive facilities and excellent visibility of the building are absolute trump cards for stow Robotics. The location also allows us to build a large technology and experience centre for our European customers. Given the rapid growth of stow Robotics, the near-immediate availability of the building and the optimal availability of the various spaces were key in this decision. The evolution in warehouse automation is highly dynamic and the time-to-market of new concepts is essential,” says Jos De Vuyst, CEO of stow Group.

“Today, it is important to act economical when it comes to available land and locations. When acquiring a property, WDP consistently examines its long-term potential and its potential in other functions. The new lease of the site in Lokeren shows that existing buildings can be converted into high-end campuses for companies pursuing future growth based on innovation,” adds Kristof De Witte, General Manager WDP for BELUX and FR.

Lokeren becomes the second major campus in Belgium for stow, which is headquartered in Spiere-Helkijn near Tournai, and has 10 factories and 20 commercial entities across Europe and the US.

stow robotics is recruiting at least 50 additional employees for the production activities on the Lokeren campus. All other stow Robotics activities will also be transferred to Lokeren, so that, over time, 200 people will be active on the site, of which a large number of engineers in R&D and other technical positions. stow estimates to reach the €1bn turnover mark in 2022 and plans further growth over the coming years, in which stow Robotics plays a central role.

Filip Anthuenis – mayor of Lokeren: “We are delighted with the arrival of stow Robotics in our city. The company will provide a new purpose to the former building of DPG Media Services, which for many years has been the landmark of our business park near the E17 highway. Lokeren is a small, but entrepreneurial city, where life is generous and people truly connect with a warm and self-conscious ‘Lokeren feeling’. stow Robotics couldn’t have picked a better home base.”

“It is no coincidence that stow Robotics chooses Lokeren as its new home base”, adds Stefan Walgraeve, councillor for industrial development in Lokeren. “Our unique location between Antwerp and Ghent and proximity to Brussels is a major asset. Our city is also at the crossroads of major railway lines and our industrial sites give direct access to one of Europe’s most important motorway connections, the E17. stow Robotics will contribute to the increasing economic dynamism of and employment in our city, through strong employment (top 5 of the largest private employers in our city), of both (lower-skilled) workers and (highly educated) employees.”

UK logistics sector remains resilient

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Take-up of UK logistics space totalled 7.67m sq ft for Q3 2022, according to the latest research* from global real estate advisor CBRE. The aggregate for the first nine months of 2022 stands at 30.25m sq ft, which equates to 95.8% of 2021 and 92.1% of the record-breaking year of 2020 for the same period, signalling the sector’s resilience.

This represents a decrease of 30% compared with Q3 2021, which saw take-up reach 10.9m sq ft. A total of 29 deals have completed this quarter, a decrease of 25.6% compared with Q3 2021, which saw 39 deals complete. Speculative schemes accounted for almost half of total take-up at 46.9%, followed by build-to-suit at 34.7% and second-hand accounting for the remaining 18.4%.

Third-party logistics dominated at a sector level, accounting for 56.3% of total take-up for the quarter. This was followed by retail at 21.3%. The remaining 22.4% was split across supermarkets, manufacturing, motor and other, demonstrating that demand for logistics space is wide-ranging and that competition for units remains strong.

Take-up was widespread across the regions for the quarter. Yorkshire & North East led the way at 27.1%. This was followed by West Midlands at 20.7%, East Midlands at 19%, South East at 16.3%, North West at 9.3% and the South West at 7.5%.

Vacant available space increased from 5.73m sq ft at Q2 2022 to 6.51m at Q3 2022. This was due to a number of speculative buildings reaching practical completion during the quarter. However, with only 21 built speculative units available, there remains a significant under supply. The increase in completed units resulted in the UK vacancy rate increasing fractionally from 1.18% to 1.32%.

Jonathan Compton, Senior Director, UK Logistics at CBRE, said: “Despite the ongoing economic uncertainty, the logistics occupational market remains strong with a wide range of occupiers securing space across the country. The decrease in take-up this quarter points to a degree of normalisation in the market following a prolonged period of record-breaking numbers, however the under-offer pipeline signals towards another robust year for the sector.”

Annabel Nash, Senior Analyst, UK Logistics Research at CBRE, added: “We have seen a significant shift in the type of occupier taking space following a dominant display from online retail. Third-party logistics providers are now leading the pack, accounting for more than a third of total take-up year-to-date. Ongoing supply chain and shipping disruptions are resulting in longer lead times, driving retailers to extend their stock profile in the UK. Therefore, companies that do not have the sufficient infrastructure are turning to third-party logistics providers for fulfilment on their behalf.”

* CBRE tracks all warehouses in excess of 100,000 sq ft in size and with an eaves height of more than 10 metres. The UK vacancy rate refers to the buildings that are physically built and standing, capable of being utilised by an occupier immediately.

 

 

St. Modwen acquires Midlands cold storage facility

Posted on by David Priestman

St. Modwen, one of the UK’s leading logistics developers and managers, has continued its expansion in the UK’s Midlands with the acquisition of a 56,760 sq ft cold storage distribution facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire.

The modern, two-chamber cold storage distribution facility is located on the Clover Nook Industrial Estate in Alfreton, adjacent to the A38 and Junction 28 of the M1 motorway and on the major North-South distribution corridor.

The site spans 5.31 acres with low site coverage of 25% and currently provides 161 car parking spaces and a further 30 dedicated HGV bays with the capacity to accommodate the installation of EV charging points.

Alfreton, by virtue of its central location equidistant from Nottingham and Derby, has become one of the UK’s major submarkets for distribution and logistics companies. There is strong local demand for high-quality mid box distribution centres with strong transport connectivity, seeing high levels of take-up among occupiers seeking urban depots to serve surrounding towns and cities. Supply of suitable mid box schemes within the Midlands is limited, with low levels of available stock and significant competition between occupiers for best-in-class units.

Polly Troughton, Managing Director, St Modwen Logistics, commented: “The acquisition of this high-quality, modern facility allows us to further expand our footprint in one of the UK’s most competitive logistics locations.

“Our continued acquisition and development of high-quality logistics space within undersupplied regional submarkets across the UK fuels the growth of regional economies. Our schemes create high-quality jobs for local people of all ages and all education levels, directly supporting the government’s levelling up agenda.”

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