Sustainable partnership: Panattoni and MSK are cooperating again in Bensheim

Repetition indicates successful concepts. That is also what MSK Pharmalogistic and the project developer Panattoni Germany thought and they are once again working together to expand the pharmaceutical logistics company’s space. After completing MSK Bensheim I, now the MSK Bensheim II project, a build-to-suit property with the highest sustainability standards and a direct connection to the A5 federal motorway will be erected on the immediately adjacent property on the Berlin ring road.

In the future the 28,700 m² property will offer the family-operated, Heppenheim-based, full-service service provider for pharmaceutical companies just under 11,300 m² of storage space and 380 m² of mezzanine space. The build-to-suit property will also offer approx. 1,350 m² of office space. MSK Bensheim II will be the new workplace for more than 50 employees from the commercial and business segments.

Simon Heß, Managing Director at MSK Pharmalogistic GmbH is pleased to have found a reliable partner in Panattoni for the next project. “While building the first object, MSK Bensheim I, with which we didn’t get involved until after the planning phase as a tenant, we learned to appreciate the collaboration with Panattoni Germany. So, we are even more pleased that this second project is tailored directly to our needs and that it is also in immediate proximity to the first commercial complex. We would like again thank Realogis Frankfurt for their mediation services.”

The property is a brownfield where ProChem GmbH was active as a manufacturer for the chemicals, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industry. In order to develop the property, Panattoni submitted a preliminary building application because an exemption from the zoning plan was required. This has already been approved. “We would like to thank the City of Bensheim and the competent authorities as well as the District Council for the excellent cooperation,” says Fred-Markus Bohne, Managing Partner at Panattoni Germany. “We would also like to thank the business development authority of the Bergstraße District for its active support.”

Due to Panattoni’s high demands regarding sustainability, photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the buildings have largely become part of the developer’s standard equipment. In this project, too, the systems installed on a surface area of 10,000 m² with an output capacity of 1 MW_p constitute a crucial measure for being awarded the DGNB gold standard and ESG verification for the EU taxonomy. The halls and the office spaces are heated without the use of fossil fuels and instead VRF technology and air-to-water heat pumps are used. Electric passenger vehicle charging stations, a well-being area and roofs that are partially covered in greenery contribute towards the well-being of future employees.

Rainwater collected in cisterns is used to irrigate the green areas. Several reservoirs will be set up as additional rainwater reservoirs. Special value is placed on species protection. Therefore, a wildflower meadow with an insect hotel and extensive preservation of the existing trees are planned. Trees classified as worthy of special protection according to the zoning plan will be preserved and nesting aids for birds will be installed on the premises.

“The collaboration with Panattoni and MSK is goal-oriented and uncomplicated. It is good that the responsible parties always keep our region’s interests and our environment in mind,” says Christine Klein, Mayor of the City of Bensheim. “Together, we are working on getting a project underway that will be beneficial to everyone involved and the people of the city.”  District Councilman Christian Engelhardt adds, “The new commercial property for the pharmaceutical logistics company MSK will make a major contribution towards securing medium and long-term jobs, thus increasing prosperity in our region. At the same time, the project impressively demonstrates that, with sustainable and responsible design, environmentally-friendly entrepreneurialism is possible.”

The demolition permit was issued at the end of November. The above-ground demolition is carried out by the seller and has started in January. The hand-off of the property to Panattoni and the start of construction are scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. Completion is slated for June 2025. The hall will be erected in accordance with the standard guidelines in the pharmaceutical industry (good distribution practice and good manufacturing practice certification).

The consulting firm Realogis, with offices in Frankfurt, was once again responsible for the successful mediation between MSK and Panattoni.