Goodman Group, the integrated property group which owns, develops and manages business and logistics space globally, has announced plans for its first development and associated sale in Sweden. The company has commenced the development of a pre-committed 21,500 m[sup]2[/sup] distribution centre on behalf of Staples, formerly known as Corporate Express, the world’s largest office products company. Goodman is working together with longstanding contractor partner NCC to construct the new facility, which is expected to be completed by autumn 2010.
Goodman Group, the integrated property group which owns, develops and manages business and logistics space globally, has announced plans for its first development and associated sale in Sweden. The company has commenced the development of a pre-committed 21,500 m2 distribution centre on behalf of Staples, formerly known as Corporate Express, the world’s largest office products company. Goodman is working together with longstanding contractor partner NCC to construct the new facility, which is expected to be completed by autumn 2010.
The distribution centre being constructed for Staples is on a 47,934 m2 site in Växjö and will enable Staples to consolidate its existing warehouse operations in Växjö and Borås into a single facility that will include 24 loading docks and 1,600 m2 of office space. The Växjö site is accessible by the RY 30 highway and is adjacent to the local airport.
The new warehouse will benefit from a number of energy efficient and sustainable features including extra insulation and an energy efficient lighting system.
This latest development follows the completion by Goodman in 2008 of a 45,000 m2 warehouse facility for Staples in Waldlaubersheim, Germany.
In a separate transaction, Goodman has agreed terms to sell the completed development to Swedish investor Hemfosa Fastigheter for circa SEK 140 mln (EUR 13.65 mln). The investment sale is in line with Goodman’s active asset management strategy, which includes the provision of experienced development and property management capabilities to third-party investors. Catella has acted as an advisor to Goodman in this sale transaction.
Goodman Regional Director Valérie Vanbiervliet said: 'This project has three-fold significance for us, as it is our first development in Sweden, our second for Staples and our latest sale to a third-party investor. It draws together a combination of expertise provided by Goodman’s distinctive asset management strategy and our model of providing multi-territory, customer-focused property solutions.'
