Goodman Wraps Up 2011 with 220,000 sqm Amazon Deals

BRUSSELS, December 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Goodman Group (Goodman or Group) today announced that it will develop two pre-committed logistics centres for Amazon, one of the world's leading e-commerce providers. The developments in Koblenz and Pforzheim will each comprise approximately 110,000 sqm of warehouse and office space. They represent the third and fourth pre-committed developments that Goodman has secured with Amazon in Germany in 2011.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111219/HK24083 )

"This completes a very successful year for Goodman and we are very proud that Amazon has partnered with us again. Four pre-commitments totalling 440,000 sqm in one year from the same customer is a major achievement," said Andreas Fleischer, Goodman Country Manager for Germany.

"Indeed, we have had an extremely successful year right across our Continental European platform with a total of 1,032,000 sqm of pre-let developments secured in 2011," he said. Goodman is currently handing over developments to Amazon in Rheinberg and Graben.

In addition to this year's four pre-committed deals with Amazon, Goodman has previously developed two logistics centres for the e-commerce retailer in Germany, as well as two warehouses in France and one in the UK.

"This co-operation proves once again that our integrated own, develop and manage business model coupled with our focus on long-term customer service is the right strategy. It confirms Goodman as the market leader in the development and management of logistics real estate in Germany," Fleischer says.

"We are delighted to announce the development of two new logistics centres. In January we will commence recruitment of employees in Koblenz and Pforzheim, which we are very happy about," said Armin Cossmann, Regional Director responsible for the German Amazon fulfilment centres.

"We are thankful to both cities Koblenz and Pforzheim, and the state and regional development agencies as well as to Goodman for the good co-operation. Amazon continues to expand with new product lines and offers more services to ensure that our customers have the ultimate shopping experience. Our logistics centres help to ensure a fast and reliable service for customers."

In Pforzheim, the development will be located in the Buchbusch industrial area, which is near the A8 motorway and has a direct link to the B294.

"Pforzheim and the region are attractive for global companies. The availability of land in the industrial area and Goodman's ability to commence development immediately were keys to the success of securing this project for the area. Amazon's presence will provide noticeable benefits for the regional employment market," explains Pforzheim Mayor Gert Hager.

Dr Rudolf Kuhner, District President of the administrative district of Karlsruhe adds: "I am delighted that Amazon has chosen Pforzheim and that we were able to support their search for a site. This announcement demonstrates that when companies are selecting a location it is important to have large sites available for industrial use, which are already developed in terms of development planning."

The planned building in Koblenz is being constructed in the A 61 industrial park next to the Koblenz motorway, where the A61 intersects the A48. The adjoining A3 is also within easy reach. The development association established the industrial area, which has an excellent connection to the European road network.

District administrator and association principal Dr Alexander Saftig and Koblenz Mayor Prof Dr Joachim Hofmann-Gottig said: "This investment confirms our decision to develop a special industrial area for companies with exceptional space requirements. The decision of Amazon to locate in this area is a major stimulus for the regional job market."

Rhineland-Palatinate Minister of Economic Affairs Eveline Lemke also welcomed Amazon to Koblenz: "The establishment of a regional distribution centre of this size offers massive opportunities for the region. Koblenz is on the move -- and this continues to be the case. Up to 1,000 regular jobs are expected to be created in addition to seasonal employment. The state government also supports this major industrial settlement, and we are confident that the people of the region will benefit permanently from it."

The two new logistics centres will match the existing buildings in Rheinberg and Graben in terms of structure and sustainable features. Construction work in Koblenz and Pforzheim begins this month and the delivery of both buildings is planned for the third quarter of 2012.

About Goodman

For more information please visit: http://www.goodman.com

For further information, please contact Goodman:

Majella O Doherty
Communications Manager
Tel: +32-2-263-4068
Email: Majella.odoherty@goodman.com