Panattoni Europe, Poland's leader in the industrial property market, has completed the construction of the first European brilliant factory for GE Energy Management. The facility totalling more than 45,000 sqm is situated in Bielsko-Biała and has taken nine months to build. It was designed to accommodate up to 1,200 employees and enhance innovation and efficiency in manufacturing. The tenant's move into the location is under way and will continue into 2016.
Panattoni Europe continues to develop its proficiency in delivering technologically advanced build-to-suit facilities. The developer has completed the construction for GE Energy Management, whose technological solutions are on a par with the most advanced manufacturing plants worldwide. The facility features manufacturing and warehousing sections, staff and office facilities, as well as advanced laboratories for rapid prototyping, technology development, product testing and certification, , and also a Customer Experience Center to strengthen collaboration with customers across the globe. All of this within the space of 45,000 square metres designed and developed by Panattoni Europe on a 12-hectare site in Bielsko-Biała. Panattoni Europe's BTS team was actively involved in conceptual and design work on the factory - together with GE Energy Management and CBRE.
The project executed by Panattoni Europe for GE Energy Management came about following a decision to consolidate the space leased by the tenant to unite and streamline manufacturing operations from four Bielsko-Biala facilities (16 buildings) and optimise logistics. The new factory is a consolidated project totalling 45,000 sqm. The manufacturing and warehousing section, which takes up 37,839 sqm, has been divided into functional blocks: manufacturing; assembly (which is functionally combined with the testing and laboratory section) and a logistics section. Offices and collaborative meeting space take up 7,872 sqm, featuring adopted solutions, functionalities, design, and high-quality finishings to meet the standards of top-class, grade A office space.
According to Marek Foryński, Managing Director BTS Group, Panattoni Europe: "the development of the investment for GE Energy Management has been the most advanced project for our team to date, both in terms of the implementation schedule and the requirements of the concept itself and its technical infrastructure. What makes this facility different is not just its purpose, but most of all the solutions adopted inside." In several sections of the manufacturing hall special foundations were laid under machines and equipment; other features include more than 7,500 sqm of epoxy flooring with special insulation or electrical conductivity parameters, compressed air installation, chilled water installation, process ventilation and dust extraction installation, increased light intensity in the hall up to 350/500 lx, installation of two 1000 A busways and six overhead cranes. Additionally, the facility complies with very stringent protection standards - it has been certified to ensure the Highest Risk Protection under the FM Global fire protection system, which means that it is fully protected by a sprinkler installation and satisfies the most rigorous requirements in terms of structural security and installation elements used. Mechanical ventilation in the manufacturing building allows for heat recovery.
This GE Energy Management brilliant factory is one of the largest manufacturing plants in the region and marks an important point on its investment map. The site will manufacture electrical distribution and critical power equipment, such as low- and medium-voltage switchgear, control cabinets, panels and metal enclosures, AC and DC breakers, as well as uninterruptible power supply systems for commercial, industrial and renewable applications as well as ensuring uninterrupted critical operations such as those of municipalities, oil and gas, wind turbines, data centres and hospitals. The facility may accommodate up to 1,200 employees and the move from the previous facilities into the new factory will continue over the next few months. The move is to be completed in 2016 ending with an official opening ceremony of the factory for the customers.
Panattoni Europe celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. In 2008, the company established its BTS Group structure, with which the developer initiated a market trend for building build-to-suit facilities, particularly within Special Economic Zones. Over the years, the Group has executed such investments as the manufacturing facility in Świebodzin for RECARO Aircraft Seating Polska; the first European factory of Polaris Industries - the American vehicle manufacturer whose product range includes quads, which was built in Opole within the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone Invest-Park; the factory for Kellogg's Company - known worldwide for its breakfast cereals, cookies and snacks, notably Pringles - developed at the Kutno Subzone of the Łódź Special Economic Zone; two facilities for Faurecia, the leading manufacturer of automotive parts, or the recently built automotive glass manufacturing facility for Pilkington Automotive Poland Sp. z o.o., which was delivered in Chmielów at the Tarnobrzeg Special Economic Zone EURO-PARK WISŁOSAN. At present, the Group is at an advanced stage of works on a manufacturing facility project dedicated to the rolling stock made by Bombardier Transportation. The new facility in Wrocław will feature approx. 19,400 sqm. The project is anticipated to be completed in June 2016.
