DB Schenker and Goodman Group, a global leading integrated property group, celebrated the opening of a new 17,000 sqm logistics centre in Cologne. The event was attended by Kurt Leidinger, CEO of DB Schenker, and Franz Dederichs, Manager Material Logistics & SCM Ford Europe, among other distinguished guests from government and business.

DB Schenker, a world leader in transport and logistics services, has been an integral part of Ford production logistics in Cologne for many years. The transport and logistics services provider will use the new property to provide logistics services to Ford production plants in Europe. The new location enables DB Schenker to optimise processes and further focus on the requirements of its customer.

20161025-Goodman-DB-Schenker-logistics-Cologne

New property replaces old warehouse and creates space for growth
The new, state-of-the-art distribution centre replaces an old logistics facility located in the same area, which no longer meets DB Schenker’s latest efficiency requirements. The new facility features 16,000 sqm of storage space and 1,300 sqm for offices and social areas. Goodman can provide DB Schenker with the opportunity to strategically expand the property by an additional 13,000 sqm of warehouse space.

“The new property is an important part of our growth strategy. It does not only optimise our existing business, but also creates the opportunity to develop tailor-made logistics solutions for potential customers from the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and the consumer goods industry,” said Joachim Stern, Head of Cologne Logistics at DB Schenker.

“Goodman is a longstanding partner, with whom we have completed many projects, both in Germany and internationally. We trust the reliability of the service they offer and quality of their property solutions, which in turn enables us to provide the best service to our customers. Through its extensive experience, Goodman has also proven its solid understanding of the requirements of its logistics customers,” said Dr Thomas Böger, Chairman of Contract Logistics / SCM at Schenker Deutschland AG.

Goodman and DB Schenker have built a strong international partnership spanning more than ten years. The Group currently manages more than 440,000 sqm for the logistics service provider in Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany and Poland.

Leveraging automotive industry experience
Goodman manages more than 390,000 sqm of logistics space directly for the automotive industry in Continental Europe. The cooperation between Goodman and DB Schenker also includes several properties designed to manage automotive logistics.

“Contract logistics is a very competitive industry and requires maximum efficiency. With new, state-of-the-art logistics properties, process efficiencies can be improved substantially,” explained Jordan Corynen, Goodman Regional Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. “To help achieve this, well located sites, often close to manufacturing plants, are needed and increasingly these are only becoming available through the conversion of unused industrial or commercial sites, known as brownfields.”

Brownfields providing new opportunities
The new logistics centre for DB Schenker was developed on a brownfield site. Goodman demolished an existing commercial property and prepared the site to develop the new facility for DB Schenker. Currently around 50 percent of all Goodman properties in Germany are constructed on such sites, demonstrating Goodman’s experience and expertise in this specific type of development. This strategy allows Goodman to offer its customers prime locations in areas where land is scarce.

The site in Feldkassel industrial park is located only 15 km from Cologne city-centre and also provides DB Schenker direct connections to the A1, A3, A57 and A59 motorways to service markets across Germany.

“The new logistics centre of DB Schenker in Feldkassel industrial park is a prime example of sustainable land use and Goodman’s investment in the industrial park affirms the importance of Cologne as one of Germany’s most important logistics regions,” said Christiane Jäger, Deputy Department Head for Development and Statistics, City of Cologne.

In the recent study "Logistics and Real Estate 2016", launched by research company bulwiengesa, the Cologne region ranks 7th in overall market appeal for logistics real estate out of the 28 logistics regions in Germany.

Reports and announcements

Investor information and financials

Goodman New Zealand (GNZ)

Americas

Asia Pacific

Europe

Strategy

Goodman Foundation

Reporting

Who we are

Latest trends

Get in touch

6.4GW

0.7GW

0.4GW

Reports and announcements

Investor information and financials

Goodman New Zealand (GNZ)

Americas

Asia Pacific

Europe

Strategy

Goodman Foundation

Reporting

$87.1bn

6.4GW

15

Who we are

Latest trends

Get in touch

Investor centre

Workspace

Goodman and DB Schenker open new logistics centre in Cologne

Our properties

Our customers

Investor Centre

About Goodman

Investment Management

Sustainability