© Copyright NREP 2019 All rights reserved.
For the past two years, Logicenters has invested heavily in its project development department, more than doubling the number of employees. Under the leadership of the company’s Head of Development, Eva Sterner, the department will expand further and scale up initiatives in both area efficiency and environmental work. However, Eva Sterner would also like to attract more women to a male-dominated industry.
With a PhD under her belt and a background as Technical Director Due Diligence at WSP and Managing Director at Watts, Eva began working at Logicenters seven years ago. According to Eva, it is the growth journey, a steady flow of interesting projects, and above all, her colleagues who have been significant reasons behind her becoming a long-term presence at Logicenters. In recent years, both Logicenters and her own department have grown significantly. According to her, this is both because the organisation is flexible and has great ambitions, but also because Logicenters is comprised of people who are driven to do things in new and innovative ways.
Eva Sterner is currently head of Logicenters’ project development department, which has expanded from two to eight people since 2017, with further recruitments planned. Central to this future development is the continued ability to attract talent, with Eva particularly wishing to encourage more women and girls to apply to the logistics industry. An industry which has until now been male dominated.
“I am proud to work for a company with such great ambitions and which allows all its employees to grow. As I personally had no female role models in the logistics industry, I would like to be a role model for girls wanting to work at smart logistics properties. For this to be possible, female employees must be both encouraged and promoted. I believe that Logicenters does this every day, which is something I see as both modern and important,” says Eva Sterner, Head of Development at Logicenters.
The project development department has a great responsibility regarding procurement, contact with tenants, property development and the contractual parts of the works contract. The department is constantly striving to find newer, smarter ways to develop modern properties, where 30-metre high-bay warehouses and energy audits exemplify innovative initiatives from Logicenters. With regard to energy efficiency, Eva plays an important role in Logicenters’ work to reduce its carbon footprint. Something which she finds customers are appreciating more and more.
“I am finding that there is increasing focus on the environment within the industry, something which I am very pleased about. We often coach our customers on issues regarding reduced energy consumption, not least by conducting energy audits, and we are finding that we are being listened to. It is my ambition to continue to drive this development forwards in order that we can offer even smarter and more energy-efficient logistics properties with as low a carbon footprint as possible. Being able to lead this development in an organisation where both colleagues and management support my ambitions is something of which I am very proud and something that makes Logicenters an attractive workplace and company,” concludes Eva Sterner.
For the third year in a row, Intelligent Logistik will be presenting the prestigious award Logistics Establishment of the Year. The idea behind the award is to highlight interesting logistics projects and mirror the progress currently being made within the logistics industry. Last year, Logicenters won together with tenant Zalando for the logistics facility in Brunna. This year, Logicenters has the opportunity to take home the prize once again.
The jury’s nomination for Logicenters’ and Speed Group’s facility in Viared, Borås:
The largest logistics development of the year with an ambitious building rate, with a total of 83 000 sqm being built during two effective phases in 2018 and 2019. The facility is one of the largest TPL-facilities in the Nordics with further plans on automation (Autostore). Interesting business arrangement with staffing operations used as a basis for the running of TPL-business, something being seemingly cost efficient. TPL is a growing industry, and the establishment of this facility mirrors a clear trend within the logistics development industry.
The award ceremony will take place on the main stage during Logistik & Transport at 16.30 on the 5th of November.
Logicenters has now received the European Real Estate Brand Book 2019, containing the results of the competition Real Estate Brand Award that was decided earlier this year. The competition ranks more than 1,600 brands within the European real estate industry. In the category “Real Estate Developers Logistics”, the award for the strongest brand among developers of logistics properties goes to Logicenters in first place. Logicenters is also placed on the top ten list for all logistics developers in Europe.
The Real Estate Brand Awards was arranged for the tenth year in succession this year. The participating brands compete in various industry-specific categories, with one category consisting of Nordic region brands. Among the Nordic brands in the segment “Real Estate Developers Logistics”, Logicenters is ranked as the strongest brand among developers of logistics properties and has now received the European Real Estate Brand Book 2019 with the result. Logicenters is also placed on the top ten list for all logistics developers in Europe.
The European Real Estate Institute is hosting the Real Estate Brand Awards. Factors that, according to the institute, lie behind Logicenters’ high ranking include the special character of the company, the quality of its implementation and its precision with regard to adherence to deadlines. The value of all of the factors that companies are ranked by is then totalled to a weighted index, the Brand Value. Logicenters achieved a Brand Value score of as high as 88.42, with 100 being the highest value, ahead of the no. 2 company, which scored 86.73.
“We are very proud to have won this award, which is an acknowledgement that all our hard and careful work has been noticed in international circles. It does not, however, mean that we can rest on our laurels, on the contrary, we must now increase our efforts to offer our clients even smarter and more user-friendly logistics solutions. We would also like to thank the European Real Estate Brand Institute for the prestigious award,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Logicenters.
The survey is largest of its type and is made up of a survey, in which more than 91,000 industry experts are asked about the more than 1,600 participating real estate brands.
For additional information regarding Real Estate Brand Awards:
https://www.reb.institute/en/rankings2019/nordics/developers-logistics/
Working in collaboration with ÅF-Infrastructure, Logicenters conducted an energy audit of 13 of Logicenters’ properties. The energy audit shows that the logistics facilities can save up to 30 percent of their total energy consumption. Moreover,
most of the actions appear to involve relatively small investments.
Last winter, Logicenters commissioned ÅF-Infrastructure to initiate a project to help Logicenters’ tenants improve energy efficiency and to reduce their environmental impact. In total, 13 of Logicenters’ logistics facilities have undergone an energy review with the results showing great potential for saving. By streamlining energy consumption in the properties, it is possible to reduce energy costs by one third. In total, this means savings of SEK 500,000 annually – for each property.
“Our energy review shows that a great deal of energy is being wasted. The result indicates that there is greater potential for savings than we believed, especially considering that the properties which were inspected are modern facilities. The cooperation with ÅF is an important step for Logicenters in our efforts to improve the energy efficiency of our properties and to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Logicenters.
Energy-efficient actions in the 13 facilities can reduce CO2 emissions by a total of more than 1 000 tonnes per year. For the properties which underwent the energy review, the proposed measures to save 30 percent would mean a repayment term of 7.5 years. When introducing minor measures, which essentially do not involve any monetary investments, the savings potential is still 6 percent.
“Energy efficiency may seem expensive, but we want to use this project to demonstrate that it does not have to cost a fortune to lower costs. It may mean training the staff in the efficient handling of machines or introducing timed lighting on the premises. Certain investments have a longer repayment period than others, but in the long run, both the bank account and the environment benefit from introducing smart, energy-efficient measures,” says Björn Rinde, energy consultant at ÅF-Infrastructure.
The work is now continuing to carry out energy audits at more facilities in Logicenters’ property portfolio. In total, it is estimated that the properties could reduce their CO2 emissions by as much as 6 400 tonnes a year through the introduction of more energy-efficient measures.
List of tips for how to improve energy efficiency at logistics properties:
Logicenters is continuing to expand its organisation. Three positions have been added to support growth of the operation. Viktor Gyllenhammar, Chatrine Gustavsson and Erik Lundmark are taking on new roles at Logicenters.
Logicenters’ ambition for the coming years is to strengthen its leading position in modern logistics facilities in the Nordic region. Investment in the organisation is continuing with the welcoming of three new recruits.
Viktor Gyllenhammar joins the team as Asset Manager. His primary duties will be the management of Logicenters’ properties and he will have overall responsibility for budget, follow-up and technology. His role also entails responsibility for leasing and contract negotiation through close dialogue with tenants. Gyllenhammar’s most recent position was in management at Castellum.
Chatrine Gustavsson has been appointed Project Development Associate and will primarily support project developers with tenant contact, stakeholder management and diverse issues in development projects. Her most recent position was as Local Project Manager at PostNord Real Estate – Property and Projects where she was responsible, among other things, for supplying the core business with functional and suitable logistics premises.
Erik Lundmark has been recruited as a Fund Controller with a focus on financing issues, investor reporting and transactions. The reinforcement is another step for Logicenters in strengthening and sustaining the growth of the finance team. Lundmark most recently worked in the auditing department at Deloitte.
“We have ambitious goals when it comes to the development of Logicenters. By recruiting Chatrine, Viktor and Erik, we have further strengthened the team. We want to work with the best, and now we will grow through new experiences and perspectives. I am therefore proud and delighted that all three have chosen to join us,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Logicenters.
This spring saw the groundbreaking ceremony take place for Logicenters’ modern 14,872 m2 cross-dock facility outside Copenhagen in Denmark. It was subsequently announced that Bring Danmark would lease just over 70 percent of the property. However, it has become clear that Bring is expanding and will lease the entire facility.
In February 2019, an agreement was signed between Logicenters and Bring Danmark regarding the leasing of 11,160 m2 of logistics space in a modern cross-dock facility in Greve, Denmark. Groundbreaking for the new facility took place the following month. It has now become clear that Bring will be leasing the property’s total area of 14,872 m2 instead of the previously announced area. As a result, the company is expanding its logistics space at the property by just over 30 percent.
“It is gratifying that Bring’s investment in e-commerce has yielded such good results that even before the completion of the logistics facility, it is expanding its logistics area. For Logicenters, it is important to be able to anticipate our customers’ future needs in order to meet them when they arise. This is evidence that our flexible business model supports our customers in their growth”, says Matthias Kettelhoit, Head of Logicenters.
The modern cross-dock facility will have a clear environmental profile and will be equipped with solar cells on the roof. Sorting will be possible in two stories as the building will be around 12 metres high. The safety of the employees is also prioritised with the construction of a footbridge from the car park to the office. The facility is under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2020.
“We are delighted that the demand for our e-commerce venture has exceeded our expectations, resulting in the need to expand our logistics area. Logicenters has been very accommodating in meeting our logistical needs and requirements for sustainability. As a tenant, it certainly feels secure to have Logicenters as the property owner”, says Jens Rom, Managing Director at Bring Danmark.
Logicenters and the magazine Intelligent Logistik signs partnership on the logistics location ranking Logistikläget 2020 – assessing Sweden’s top 25 logistic locations. The ranking list is based on geographical location, business climate, sustainability in the logistics infrastructure, establishment of logistics facilities, workforce availability, academic education, and availability of logistics space.
The event, including several seminars on logistics topics, will take place in Stockholm on the 6th of February.
Logicenters is now strengthening its team to support continued growth. Thomas Petersen is joining the Danish team as Commercial Manager with 27 years of experience in the logistics industry. His most recent position has been director of consulting and transaction services at CBRE.
Logicenters is undergoing an expansion phase and is growing in terms of both real estate holdings and organisationally. Thomas Petersen has been recruited as part of investment in the further strengthening of operations in Denmark. He is assuming the role of Commercial Manager and will be responsible for business development in Denmark.
“I have personally worked with Logicenters as a customer and know how competitive the business is. It has an experienced team, rapid processes and a flexible business model, which are the keys to success in logistics. I am looking forward to helping Logicenters become the obvious choice in Denmark by finding good solutions for potential customers and enabling existing customers to grow with us,” says Thomas Petersen.
Thomas Petersen has worked in the logistics industry for 27 years. He has a background at Kuehne & Nagel, was Operational Manager for Singapore Airlines Cargo and was also Scandinavian General Manager at Worldwide Flight Services. His most recent position has been at CBRE where he was director of consulting and transaction services.
“When I met Thomas, I knew right away that he would be a great asset for Logicenters. He has substantial experience, a large network of contacts and an in-depth understanding of our business. By connecting important people to us, we remain competitive, guaranteeing continued growth. I am proud that Thomas has chosen to join our team and look forward to taking our operations in Denmark to the next stage with him,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head of Logicenters.
Logicenters and Axfood’s purchasing and logistics company Dagab have now signed a contract for the development and leasing of a logistics facility of just over 100,000 m2 in Bålsta. Dagab will become a long-term tenant at the facility, which will be one of the largest in Europe. The property will be 30 metres tall, have environmental certification and comply with modern specifications such as a high degree of automation and several temperature zones.
In March 2019, Logicenters signed a memorandum of understanding with Dagab, Axfood’s purchasing and logistics company, for the development and leasing of a logistics facility in Bålsta. The parties have now signed an agreement which goes beyond development to represent Logicenters’ largest lease in Sweden.
“This is a major development project where Logicenters is expanding its property portfolio with a large, modern and environmentally certified facility beyond the ordinary. We are very proud of the confidence Axfood is placing in us and the development of a facility in a prime position which will enable it to expand its operations. We have a successful collaboration with Dagab and look forward to a rewarding and long-term relationship,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, Commercial Head at Logicenters.
The logistics facility, with a capacity of around 100,000 m2, is one of Europe’s largest and most modern food distribution centres for both retail and e-commerce. The property will have a unique height of 30 metres and a high degree of automation which will ensure that the chilled, refrigerated and temperate zones are maintained. In line with Logicenters’ strategy regarding sustainability and energy efficiency, the facility will have a high level of environmental certification and there is also a plan to incorporate solar cells on the roof.
The property is strategically located at Håbo Lundby 2:8 outside Bålsta, northwest of Stockholm. The proximity to the E18 and Stockholm makes this an attractive location. In addition, railway sidings run all the way into the site, which will facilitate the future transport infrastructure. The logistics facility will enter into operation in 2023 and will also mean many job opportunities.
“We are very pleased that we are now one step closer to the start of construction on our highly automated logistics centre. This new logistics solution will enable us to become both more efficient and more flexible when it comes to future developments in the grocery trade. Being able to stock a wider range of products in the new facility will enable us to deliver faster and more sustainably, strengthening our offers to customers,” says Nicholas Pettersson, CEO of Dagab.
Real Advokatbyrå has provided Logicenters with legal consultation regarding the deal.
Nordic real estate investment company NREP and Logicenters will build the world’s first deep geothermal well with seasonal storage capability in Espoo in cooperation with the energy industry start-up QHeat. The project pilots a new, nearly emission-free energy solution for large real estate, producing as much as 40 times the heat energy of traditional geothermal heating.
The deep geothermal well developed by QHeat is a medium-depth geothermal well drilled to the depth of approximately two kilometres and can heat and cool large real estate areas or regional grids with near-zero emissions. The solution enables emission-free geothermal heating in growing urban areas, as well, as it is well suited to dense housing areas and groundwater areas. The pilot is carried out at the NREP Logicenters’ logistics property in Espoo, and it is estimated to reduce the property’s CO2 emissions by as much as 90 per cent. The project is set to be completed by the end of November.
“By piloting new solutions, such as QHeat’s deep geothermal heat, and by scaling them into wider operating models, we are actively introducing new ways to reduce the environmental impacts of real estate in the industry. We are also continuously exploring possibilities to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy in our properties. We are committed to reducing the climate emissions of real estate and to promoting energy efficiency, because real estate and construction produce approximately a third of Finland’s carbon footprint,” says Jani Nokkanen, partner at NREP.
Finland’s goal is to reduce emissions by at least 39 per cent from the 2005 level by the year 2030. With deep geothermal heat, emissions from real estate heating can be reduced by as much as 95 per cent compared to fossil fuels. If solutions such as deep geothermal heat can be scaled to even 5 per cent of Finland’s real estate stock, it would mean a reduction of half a million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, or four per cent of Finland’s emission target, according to QHeat’s calculations.
“A clean future lies beneath our feet. With deep geothermal heat, we can make good use of the warm summer months, because during the summer, we can store waste energy from cooling into the ground and then use it for heating in the winter. Deep geothermal energy has significant export potential as a solution that can mitigate climate change by reducing the emissions from heating and cooling on a global scale,” says Miska Eriksson, CEO of QHeat.
Qheat’s deep geothermal heat technology is patented and has been tested in cooperation with Finnish experts and universities. The project has received funding from Business Finland as part of the Smart Otaniemi initiative.
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