GLP strengthens its position in Central and Eastern Europe

GLP, a leading international company specializing in investments in logistics real estate, digital infrastructure and renewable energy, has been operating in Central and Eastern Europe for almost three years. During this time, it has doubled its portfolio in the region, currently managing buildings with a total area of nearly 2.5 million sqm in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The company is planning new ventures that will strengthen its position among the leading investors, developers and property managers in the logistics sector. 

The GLP real estate portfolio in Central and Eastern Europe already includes 64 completed buildings.  They are used by leading e-commerce, FMCG, 3PL and automotive brands that require facilities meeting the highest functional and technical standards, as well as those in the field of sustainable development. They are also distinguished by their location in the immediate vicinity of Central European capitals and other major agglomerations and industrial centers in the region.

All new GLP logistics centers are buildings that allow for storage up to 12 meters high, equipped with numerous solutions that promote utility savings, including smart metering and roofs adapted for the installation of photovoltaic panels.

The company is also implementing the digitalization of the design, construction and management process of logistics buildings. By creating a digital twin of a building, its entire life cycle can be more easily optimized in terms of time, costs and user comfort. Such a model promotes quick access to all building documentation, translating into, among other things, faster location and repair of any defects, better management of warranties and lower utility consumption.

Currently, practically 100% of the space in GLP buildings in Central and Eastern Europe is leased. The company is actively monitoring and implementing development opportunities related to the stable demand for high-class logistics space, planning, among other things, the expansion of existing parks near Budapest, Bratislava, Wrocław and in Lędziny. 

We observe constant interest in our buildings, which translates into cooperation with about 125 clients in the region, including major players in the growing e-commerce segment. The demand for modern space supporting modern logistics and light production is stable, driven by global consumer trends and supply chain changes as a result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The countries in which we operate differ in terms of challenges, related, for example, to the size and absorption capacity of individual markets and the availability of investment land, but as a rule, they still provide us with development opportunities – comments Błażej Ciesielczak, Regional Director CEE at GLP. 

In Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, GLP has the potential to create another million square meters of space in buildings that are distinguished by energy efficiency and solutions confirmed by international eco-friendly certificates. Among the next projects will be, among others, the expansion of the popular Sziget Logistics Centre II in the suburbs of Budapest (110,000 sqm), Bratislava Business Zone (five energy-efficient buildings with additional exhibition and retail space – a total of 130,000 sqm near the Bratislava airport), as well as new stages of logistics parks in Magnice near Wrocław (ultimately 300,000 sqm in a key e-commerce hub in south-eastern Poland) and in Lędziny near Tychy (planned expansion by 200,000 sqm and the creation of road infrastructure and greenery for users and the local community). 

GLP is distinguished by a long-term view of the real estate it creates. Buildings remain in our portfolio for longer and are managed personally by our specialists. This approach fosters the development of strong relationships with clients, as well as special care for the quality of buildings at the stage of their construction and daily operation. Within GLP, there are also many business lines complementary to our real estate business – such as the development of robotics or green energy sources – which are already and will be increasingly common in our buildings – says Marek Jandous Investment and Asset Manager, CEE at GLP.