Two in a row for Goodman -- to provide Amazon with a second 110,000 sqm pre-committed development in Germany

GRABEN, Germany, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Goodman Group (Goodman or Group) announced today that it has signed its second contract in four weeks to develop a 110,000 sqm pre-committed logistics centre for Amazon, one of the world's leading online e-commerce providers. Goodman will develop the new facility in Graben, south of Augsburg in Germany.

The signing of this latest transaction coincides with Goodman commencing construction on the recently announced 110,000 sqm development for Amazon in Rheinberg, Germany and is now the sixth development project undertaken on behalf of Amazon in Europe.

Goodman's CEO for Continental Europe, Danny Peeters said: "The signing of these two significant deals in four weeks demonstrates Goodman's robust growth in the first quarter of 2011 and further strengthens the Group's position as the market leader in logistics real estate in Germany."  

The Graben logistics centre will comprise around 110,000 sqm of storage and office space. Construction is expected to commence shortly and delivery is planned to take place in the fourth quarter of 2011. Goodman acquired 185,000 sqm of land in Graben for the project, which is well located with a direct link to the Federal Road 17 (Augsburg - Landsberg/Lech).

Armin Cossmann, as Regional Director responsible for the German fulfillment centres, explained: "The branch in Graben will help Amazon deliver orders to customers quickly and reliably and will help to support our future growth requirements. The new logistics centre will process the product range offered by Amazon.de, covering media products, electronics, kitchenware, articles for the home and garden, products for babies and toys, shoes and handbags, clothing, health and beauty products, watches and jewellery, as well as sports items, musical instruments and automobile products."

Martin Sailer, District Administrator of Augsburg, and Andreas Scharf, Mayor of Graben, emphasised the outstanding importance of the investment by Goodman and Amazon for Graben and the district of Augsburg.

"The new hub with up to 1,000 long term jobs is an invaluable stimulus for further positive economic development in our district. The location of Amazon strengthens the logistics competence of our region and of all Bavaria," said Mr Sailer.

Mr Scharf added: "Graben has succeeded against other locations in securing this project and this demonstrates that we are well established as a strategic logistics location."

Andreas Fleischer, Goodman Country Manager Germany, said: "During the first quarter of 2011 we have secured three large development deals in Germany, with projects for DB Schenker and Amazon. This success is based on the strong trust in Goodman's ability to deliver tailor-made solutions for customers in the growing markets of e-commerce and automotive logistics.  

"Goodman will deploy its world-wide expertise in logistics development, master planning and property management to develop both sustainable and investment-oriented real estate.

"The Amazon Logistics Centre in Graben will incorporate high standards with regard to sustainability and efficiency, and will also offer excellent employment opportunities in the local area."

Goodman, through its managed funds, is the largest owner of logistics real estate in Germany with 1.5 million sqm under management.

In Germany, Goodman currently has over 343,500 sqm of logistics space under construction across five projects, which corresponds to an investment value of around euro 190 million.

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SOURCE Goodman Group