DCT Industrial Trust Inc. Opens Regional Offices in Orlando and Houston

DENVER, March 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DCT Industrial Trust Inc.® (NYSE: DCT), a leading industrial real estate company, today announced the opening of its two newest offices in Orlando, FL and Houston, TX.  With the opening of the offices, DCT Industrial intends to strengthen its operating platform and deepen its local presence to maximize leasing and investment opportunities and provide enhanced customer service.  

DCT Industrial's Orlando Office

Todd Watson will lead the Orlando office as Vice President and Regional Director.  He will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for the entire Florida market including the direction of leasing efforts and identification of potential acquisitions.  DCT Industrial currently owns 16 distribution buildings in Orlando and six buildings in South Florida totaling 2.8 million square feet.  

Todd joins DCT Industrial with 10 years of experience with major real estate companies and brings strong relationships in the Orlando market.  Prior to brokerage, Todd practiced law in the field of real estate and land use.  

Kurt McLaughlin also joins DCT Industrial as Regional Property Manager for the Orlando market, and brings 25 years of property management experience including commercial and industrial properties, office complexes and retail shopping centers.  

"We are excited to launch our Orlando office with Todd and Kurt who have the experience, talent and passion to enhance client relationships and create value for our customers," said Mike Ruen, Managing Director of the East Region for DCT Industrial.  "We have already launched a number of unique initiatives to reduce our customer's operating expenses which will continue to return value over the short- and long-term."

DCT Industrial's Houston Office

DCT Industrial is also building its management team in the Houston market, in which the company owns 40 distribution buildings totaling over 2.9 million square feet.

Bill Tucker joins DCT Industrial as Vice President and Regional Director of Property Management for the Houston market and brings over 20 years experience.  Prior to joining DCT Industrial, Bill managed large commercial real estate portfolios and has held numerous property and leasing management positions.  

"Houston is a key market for DCT Industrial because of the strong local and regional economy as well as expectations for continued growth in port activity," said Daryl Mechem, Managing Director of DCT Industrial for the West Region.  "The addition of Bill as head of the property management team strengthens our customer service, drives efficiencies and creates value for our customers."

About DCT Industrial Trust Inc.®

DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (NYSE: DCT) is a leading industrial real estate company that owns, operates and develops high-quality bulk distribution and light industrial properties in high-volume distribution markets in the U.S. and Mexico. As of December 31, 2009, the Company owned, managed or had under development 75.4 million square feet of assets leased to approximately 810 customers, including 14.6 million square feet managed on behalf of three institutional joint venture partners.  Additional information is available at www.dctindustrial.com.

SOURCE DCT Industrial Trust Inc.