Panattoni hands over premises to HBPO GmbH according to schedule in spite of coronavirus

• First construction phase with 14,331 m² of space was completed and handed over on 31 March 2020
• Automotive supplier HBPO will use the hall primarily for assembling and storing front-end modules
• Second construction phase covering 10,400 m² is set for completion at the end of May 2020

Panattoni, the leading project developer for industrial and logistics properties in Europe, successfully handed over the first of two halls at a large logistics centre in Kleinblittersdorf, Saarland, to automotive supplier HBPO GmbH on 31 March 2020. The space is intended to be used for assembling and storing front-end modules. Alongside the hall space of more than 14,000 m² there is also around 1,500 m² of office and social space, approximately 1,100 m² of mezzanine space, as well as around 100 car parking spaces. Construction work commenced in September 2019.

Despite numerous hurdles, the handover date as agreed with HBPO GmbH could be met. “In light of hurricane Ciara and a great deal of adverse weather conditions, the project’s successful completion is a truly remarkable achievement. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic also presented us with challenges. We made sure that official guidelines regarding hygiene measures and keeping safe distances were strictly adhered to during each stage of work. Furthermore, only those who were absolutely essential were present for the handover,” explained Fred-Markus Bohne, Managing Partner at Panattoni.

The logistics property is primarily a build-to-suit solution, taking the specific requirements and needs of the automotive supplier into consideration. In accordance with the just-in-sequence principle, parts are delivered to the Daimler factory which is located just 15 km away in Hambach. The factory’s excellent connections were one of the most important reasons why HBPO GmbH decided to opt for the site. During its development, Panattoni complied with the gold standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

The second construction phase comprises 10,395 m² of space, containing 562 m² of office space and 612 m² of storage mezzanine space, as well as 32 car parking spaces. It is scheduled for completion at the end of May 2020. This space is still available for potential tenants. The entire logistics and production centre has been created on the site of a former factory complex, meaning that extensive demolition work was necessary before starting. An attractive logistics site was also of great interest to the region to strengthen its local economy.

Thomas Rühl, Director Industrial Engineering at HBPO GmbH, was also very pleased: “The site will add great value to the community; the assembly facility can create more than 100 new jobs at the HBPO premises alone. That’s why we are particularly pleased that Panattoni has demonstrated an outstanding achievement despite adverse circumstances.”