Panattoni has begun construction of a 31,000 sqm facility for the Czech logistics company HOPI CZ, whose client is Freudenberg Homes and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS). It chose Panattoni Park Chomutov North in large part because of its proximity to the German market. Panattoni is developing the site for the investor RSJ.
For HOPI, the new distribution center extends its range of operations to Germany for the first time, having focused thus far has focused on Central Europe countries (Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland). “It’s our first solution from the CEE region towards the west and now we know it’s not the last one,” said HOPI’s chairman Martin Piškanin. “It’s wonderful that we’re able to grow into more markets while remaining at heart a family company.”
I asked Piškanin why HOPI hadn’t chosen the more popular Pilsen market, where many logistics companies serve Germany from. “Pilsen and Chomutov came out equally in terms of distribution expenses, and in terms of a center of gravity. But as you correctly said, Pilsen is quite overheated and it’s tough to get employees there. It’s even starting to be a problem here, but it’s not as bad as Pilsen.”
Marketa Vrbasová (Knight Frank), who led the leasing process, says the Pilsen region continues to generate strong interest from companies with western-oriented operations. In addition to rent levels and access to labor, she said strong local infrastructure and easy access to western markets had won the day. “The project is being relocated from Germany after 30 years of operations to our country thanks to Hopi’s professionalism, experience and know-how,” she said.
The new building is due for completion in 2025. Klara Sobotková (Panattoni) says the first tenant to move into the park was Jungheinrich, which made the decision to take space in the park in 2021, despite the pandemic-related complications. That was followed by a new facility for Amazon. FHCS moving in means the park “will continue to support the growth of the local economy and create new jobs, which will have a positive impact on the local community,” she said.
Earlier this year, RSJ sold the Jungheinrich building to Patria. “As an investor, or rather an owner, we are delighted to be able to welcome another prestigious tenant,” said says Marcel Kolesár, asset manager of the RSJ investment group. “After Jungheinrich and Amazon, the establishment of cooperation with HOPI CZ is a sign for us that the logistics complex near Chomutov attracts big names thanks to its strategic location.” He hinted that a fourth name would be added to the park’s tenant list before long.
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