Temporary labour market in logistics and manufacturing: review of 2025 and outlook for 2026

The temporary labour market in logistics and manufacturing faced a period of adjustment in 2025, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, macroeconomic pressures and regulatory changes. At the same time, client expectations towards temporary employment and process outsourcing agencies continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on digital tools, compliance reporting and structured onboarding processes. Experts from Opteamic, a temporary employment and process outsourcing agency active in logistics and manufacturing, reviewed the past year and outlined key themes for 2026.

One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the introduction of new regulations governing temporary work. “The new regulations on temporary work have sparked a lot of discussion. And that’s a good thing, because they have clarified many issues and introduced more transparency. The limits of 18 months of work with one user employer within a 36-month period, which have been in force for years, have been maintained, but the obligation to keep full digital records of temporary workers’ working time and to document breaks in employment more precisely has been introduced,” says Helena Rojbul, Recruitment, Legalisation and Administration Manager at Opteamic. She adds: “At Opteamic, we have implemented appropriate tools to track limits and control documentation, which has significantly reduced onboarding time and, above all, reduced the risk of administrative errors.”

The regulatory changes stem largely from the Act of 20 March 2025 on the labour market and employment services, which replaced previous legislation on 1 June 2025. The new framework introduced more explicit rules for the operation of employment agencies, with the aim of increasing transparency and limiting practices close to unauthorised employee outsourcing. It also strengthened agencies’ responsibility for operational compliance, particularly in relation to monitoring statutory employment limits, maintaining consistent HR documentation and confirming health and safety training and authorisations. Digital systems have become increasingly important in meeting these requirements.

“Legal changes have contributed to the professionalisation of the market. Companies have begun to choose partners who have modern digital infrastructure and can ensure full operational compliance and transparency. At Opteamic, in 2025, we implemented our own health and safety record-keeping and training module, which significantly reduces the time needed to onboard an employee, while ensuring full compliance with the new legal requirements,” says Helena Rojbul.

In terms of demand, the temporary labour market remained relatively stable in 2025. Following the declines seen during the pandemic, demand for temporary workers recovered, particularly in seasonal and short-term projects where cost flexibility is a key consideration. Process outsourcing continued to gain importance, replacing more fragmented employment models in situations where operational responsibility and predictable process costs are required.

Looking ahead to 2026, the sector faces several challenges. Wage pressure remains an important issue, as employee expectations continue to rise despite stabilising inflation. Employers are expected to focus more closely on cost management and the attractiveness of job offers, while agencies are likely to play a greater role in performance analysis and the design of employment models. Competition for workers is also expected to remain strong in warehouse and manufacturing regions, where nearshoring trends are driving additional demand. In these locations, retention measures, working conditions and employee loyalty programmes are becoming increasingly relevant.

Operational transparency is another area of growing importance. Companies are increasingly requesting real-time access to data, compliance reporting and detailed labour cost analyses. As a result, digitalisation is expected to be one of the dominant trends in 2026, covering areas such as employee e-files, remote onboarding and automated performance reporting.

“Looking ahead to the coming year, we can expect to see a further strengthening of flexible forms of employment and process outsourcing as a human capital management model in industries characterised by seasonality and volatility in demand. At the same time, the role of digital tools will increase, which on the one hand will facilitate compliance with regulations and on the other will allow for more advanced analysis of costs and staffing needs. There are many indications that legislators will continue to work on tightening regulations, particularly with regard to the responsibilities of agencies and employers, which will require even greater precision in documenting the course of work,” says Helena Rojbul.

According to Opteamic, agencies that are able to combine operational, technological and advisory capabilities are likely to strengthen their market position in 2026. “At Opteamic, we are seeing that the market is maturing and expectations are growing, which is an impulse for further investment in technologies and the development of services that support not only recruitment, but also the full management of operational processes,” Helena Rojbul concludes.

Source: Opteamic

Construction progresses at Neo Natolin residential development in Warsaw

Construction works are advancing at stage II of the Neo Natolin residential development in Warsaw. DTM, once again appointed by investor Real Management as the general contractor, has completed the foundation slabs and is currently constructing the first structural walls. The handover of homes to buyers is scheduled for spring 2027.

Neo Natolin is a residential development of semi-detached single-family houses located on Stefana Korbońskiego Street in Warsaw. The project includes shared recreational areas, landscaped green spaces, a water feature, small architectural elements and playgrounds intended for residents’ use.

Upon completion, the development will comprise approximately 250 homes with full supporting infrastructure. Stage I, which delivered 84 units, was completed and fully sold in July 2024. As part of stage II, Real Management is delivering a further 58 homes, divided into two phases of 26 and 32 units. DTM is responsible for all construction and installation works.

Works on the first 26 homes are currently underway. Following preparatory works, foundation construction was completed in autumn 2025, and ground-floor structures are now being erected.

Compared with stage I, the second stage will feature lower building density and larger private gardens. The homes will retain a consistent architectural style and will be offered with two façade colour options. They will include large glazed areas, ceiling heights of 3.2 metres on the ground floor and 3 metres on the upper floor, and two-car garages with additional driveway parking. Six unit size options will be available, ranging from 190 to 258 sqm.

“We are very pleased that our development, which we are delivering with great commitment and passion, is progressing dynamically and beautifully. We work with reliable and experienced partners—first and foremost DTM, which is implementing the set objectives with ambition and consistency, while maintaining high standards and an efficient pace of work. Everything is progressing according to schedule,” says Marcin Malka, CEO of Real Management S.A. “In addition to the residential buildings, as part of this stage of the development we will also provide our residents with a complete road infrastructure, surrounded by carefully selected greenery and, of course, connected to the first part of the estate. We also want our residents to fully benefit from the unique location of this place and the opportunities it offers. That is why we will soon begin works to create additional recreational areas and spaces for active leisure, which will be available both to Neo Natolin residents and to the local community,” he adds.

Neo Natolin is located in Warsaw’s Wilanów district, near the Natolin and Kabaty forest reserves. The surrounding area offers access to schools, kindergartens, medical facilities, retail outlets and service providers, as well as retail and lifestyle centres such as Vis à Vis Royal Wilanów. The site is also well connected to central Warsaw and the city’s outer districts.

The architectural design of the Neo Natolin development was prepared by APA Wojciechowski.

Audi and Drees & Sommer modernise Ingolstadt plant during ongoing operations

Audi AG has begun a comprehensive modernisation of its Ingolstadt production site, focusing on Hall A1, a central infrastructure hub that supplies the plant with energy, data and water. The project is being carried out while production continues at full capacity. Audi is working with the consulting firm Drees & Sommer, which is responsible for project coordination and oversight.

The existing infrastructure in Hall A1 has reached its capacity limits, prompting Audi to initiate a long-term renovation programme aimed at ensuring operational stability and preparing the site for new technologies. The programme consists of eight interlinked sub-projects with an overall implementation period of more than ten years.

Key elements include the construction of a new energy centre for the entire site and the reorganisation of supply routes for key operating media, including new distribution paths in the northern and southern sections of the plant. Audi and Drees & Sommer are jointly overseeing budget, schedule and quality control across the project.

“This is not a construction project in the traditional sense. The facility is being modernised while remaining fully operational, with all the technical, organisational and human challenges that such a project entails,” said Veronika Linz, Senior Project Manager at Drees & Sommer.

According to Linz, the eight sub-projects are at different stages of implementation, with some running sequentially and others in parallel. “Projects of this scale are never static. You plan with a goal in mind, but the path to achieving it is constantly changing. The dismantling of the energy centre and the main operating media routes began in 2025, while in other areas discussions focused on how to free up space and relocate users,” she added.

Managing interfaces between the many parties involved is a critical aspect of the project. These include planners, authorities, users, operators and construction companies, each with their own priorities and timelines. “The biggest challenge is not the construction itself,” Linz said. “Carefully coordinated interfaces are a prerequisite for stable processes.” She noted that long project durations also increase the importance of maintaining personnel and organisational continuity.

A central component of the modernisation is the new energy centre, which will be located in the middle of the plant. The approximately 120-metre-long technical building will be developed in two phases and will house cooling water and cold supply systems, heat pump technology, compressed air production, heat accumulators, main electrical substations and IT infrastructure. New above-ground and underground routes will connect the facility to the rest of the site.

The energy centre is designed to support Audi’s broader sustainability objectives. Plans include the use of industrial waste heat through heat pumps and heat storage systems, contributing to the company’s Mission:Zero environmental programme and strengthening the resilience of the plant’s energy supply.

“What is starting today in Hall A1 could become a model for other plants,” Linz said. “Everywhere infrastructure needs not only to be repaired, but rethought and fundamentally transformed.”

Manova Partners sells Amazon Returns Center in Slovakia

Manova Partners, an international real estate investment firm based in Munich, has completed the sale of the Amazon Returns Center in Sereď, Slovakia, to ERSTE Realitná Renta, a fund managed by the Slovak branch of Erste Asset Management. The transaction was carried out on behalf of a separately managed account. The parties did not disclose the purchase price.

The logistics property comprises approximately 62,245 sq m and is located around 40 minutes northeast of Bratislava, in the town of Sereď. The facility forms part of Amazon’s European logistics network and benefits from transport connections to Slovak and cross-border distribution routes.

The Amazon Returns Center in Sereď was Manova Partners’ first investment in Slovakia, acquired in 2017 under its former GLL Real Estate Partners brand. According to the company, the asset generated stable income throughout the holding period, and the sale concludes the value creation and exit strategy defined at acquisition.

Manova Partners has been active in Central and Eastern Europe for more than 20 years and has completed transactions totalling approximately €4.1 billion in the region. Its current CEE portfolio includes 14 office and 20 logistics properties with a total value of around €1.5 billion and an income-based occupancy rate of 96%.

Following the disposal of the Sereď asset, Manova Partners’ transaction volume in 2025 has exceeded €530 million. The company stated that additional acquisitions and disposals are currently at advanced stages.

“With this transaction, we have successfully implemented the strategy defined for our mandate while further consolidating our strong market position in the CEE region,” said Katarina Horvathova, Head of Transactions CEE at Manova Partners. “We have been investing in Central and Eastern Europe for over two decades and continue to see attractive fundamentals for high-quality logistics real estate. The sale in Sereď underscores the sustained demand for core assets and marks an important milestone in what has been a very dynamic transaction year for us.”

VIA Outlets’ credit rating affirmed by Fitch at BBB+ with stable outlook

Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and senior unsecured rating of VIA Outlets B.V. at ‘BBB+’, with a Stable Outlook.

According to Fitch, the rating reflects VIA Outlets’ positioning in the premium outlet segment, the scale of its catchment areas, established relationships with international brands and active leasing management. The agency also notes continued operational performance, with turnover-linked rents translating into higher base rents.

Fitch reports that footfall increased by 5% in 2024 and by 3% in the first half of 2025 on a like-for-like basis. It expects rental growth of around 6% in 2026, supported by indexation and expansion activity. Portfolio occupancy stands at approximately 95%, including structural vacancy reserved for refits, relocations and repositioning initiatives.

The rating agency also highlights VIA Outlets’ ongoing capital expenditure programme focused on expansion, remodelling and tenant mix adjustments. Recent projects are cited as having delivered double-digit increases in footfall alongside higher brand sales. In addition, Fitch points to the company’s loyalty programme, noting that Fashion Club membership reached around 2.6 million by the end of 2024, an increase of 18% year on year, with members spending on average 29% more than non-members.

Following a bond issuance in October 2025, Fitch notes that VIA Outlets’ pro forma liquidity includes €512 million of available cash and a €100 million undrawn revolving credit facility. Pro forma debt maturities include €500 million of unsecured notes due in October 2032, €450 million due in November 2028 and a €107 million drawn secured facility maturing in August 2028. The average cost of debt is reported at 2.55%.

Fitch’s rating case assumes approximately €320 million of expansion and remodelling capital expenditure between 2025 and 2028, while maintaining a net loan-to-value ratio target of 30%–40%.

Commenting on the rating affirmation, Peter Stals, Chief Financial Officer of VIA Outlets, said:

“Fitch’s affirmation underscores the resilience of the outlet channel and the quality of our pan-European portfolio. Our successful execution of our 3R strategy, of remodelling, remerchandising and remarketing continues to lift brand sales, footfall and rental growth while we maintain disciplined capital allocation to fund expansions and potential future acquisitions.”

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox brokers sale of Zenith Conference & Spa complex in Mamaia

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox has completed the sale of the Zenith Conference & Spa hotel in Mamaia to the owners of Steaua de Mare Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality group based in Eforie Nord. The asset was previously owned by the RC2 investment fund and Antares Management, a company controlled by Dumitru Becșenescu.

The transaction was managed by the Capital Markets division of Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, led by Mihaela Pană, Partner, Private Investments, and Cristi Moga, Head of Capital Markets.

Located on the seafront in the central-north area of Mamaia, Zenith Conference & Spa is a four-star hotel comprising 295 rooms. The property offers accommodation alongside wellness facilities, an outdoor pool, direct beach access and conference spaces. The asset also includes a beachfront plot of land without construction, allowing for potential future development.

“This transaction highlights the growing interest in seaside hotel assets and contributes significantly to the revitalisation and development of the tourism sector. The Romanian seaside has strong potential to become an attractive, year-round destination,” said Mihaela Pană, Partner, Private Investments at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

“Moreover, the Romanian hotel market is undergoing rapid expansion, with a significant number of new projects in Bucharest and the main tourist hotspots. The sector continues to be dominated by local players, who possess in-depth knowledge of the local market,” she added.

The Mamaia–Constanța area currently hosts more than 340 accommodation units, including over 100 hotels, alongside boutique villas and serviced apartments. The resort offers tens of thousands of beds, approximately 10,000 of which are operated by hotels.

GARBE Industrial and ARTAR establish joint venture for logistics developments in Saudi Arabia

GARBE Industrial, a developer, provider and manager of logistics and light industrial real estate in Europe, and ARTAR, a real estate developer based in Saudi Arabia, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture focused on logistics real estate developments in the Kingdom. The joint venture will operate under the name AG Logistics Partners.

The partnership is intended to develop Grade A logistics and industrial facilities in key Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Over the next five years, the joint venture plans to deliver a portfolio of logistics properties designed to international construction and sustainability standards, targeting occupiers from sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing and trade.

According to the partners, the projects will focus on modern warehouse and distribution facilities incorporating energy-efficient systems, automation solutions and contemporary building design. The initiative is positioned to respond to limited availability of high-quality logistics space in Saudi Arabia, as demand continues to grow alongside broader economic development initiatives.

“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation,” said Sulaiman AlRashid, CEO of ARTAR. “By partnering with GARBE’s world-class expertise, we’re not just building warehouses — we’re creating the backbone of a resilient, future-ready supply chain that will drive prosperity for generations to come.”

Christopher Garbe, Managing Partner of GARBE Industrial, said the joint venture aligns with the company’s international expansion strategy. “Our ambition is to attain quality leadership in regard to modern high-end logistics real estate in Saudi Arabia within the framework of this joint venture. Working closely with ARTAR, we will merge local know-how with international experience in order to build up a highly productive logistics infrastructure that will attract international companies to Saudi Arabia,” he said.

The signing of the Heads of Terms represents a formal step toward establishing the joint venture, with development activities expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The announcement follows GARBE Industrial’s recent opening of an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre, reflecting its intention to strengthen its presence in the Middle East as part of its broader international growth plans.

INTREAL strengthens subsidiary INTREAL Solutions to support continued growth

INTREAL Solutions GmbH (IRS) will implement a strategic organisational realignment effective 1 January 2026, aimed at supporting the company’s recent growth within the HIH Group and its expanding third-party business. The changes are also intended to strengthen the structured development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

According to Christian Schmidt, Managing Director of INTREAL Solutions since 2020, the realignment is designed to ensure long-term stability while preparing the company for further development. “We have grown significantly within the Group in recent years while also achieving strong and independent growth momentum in our third-party business. To ensure that this growth remains sustainable, we need to position ourselves more broadly and with a clear view to the future,” Schmidt said.

As part of the changes, the company will expand its senior management team. From the beginning of 2026, Klaus Daum will join management, bringing experience in SAP systems, large-scale project management and leadership roles spanning finance and real estate.

“With Klaus Daum we are gaining not only an outstanding SAP specialist but also a strong leadership personality with a holistic understanding of processes and structures – from strategic and technological to commercial perspective,” Schmidt added.

The reorganisation also includes operational adjustments. The existing data centre and IT services units will be combined into a single service unit, while a new AI, automation and collaboration team will be established. This team will focus on artificial intelligence, process automation and modern collaboration platforms, building on expertise already present within the organisation.

“This organisational step allows us to introduce innovative technologies into our operations more quickly, leverage synergies more effectively and further strengthen our role as a future-oriented IT partner,” Schmidt said.

Eeze leases 1,200 sq m of office space in AFI Park Floreasca, in transaction brokered by Crosspoint Real Estate

Crosspoint Real Estate, the International Associate of Savills in Romania, has brokered a transaction under which Eeze, a software and technology company and casino games supplier, has leased 1,200 sq m of office space in the AFI Park Floreasca office complex in Bucharest.

Eeze, which is headquartered in Malta and also operates offices in London and Bucharest, will use the new space as a hub for technical teams and live casino operations. The Bucharest office will become the company’s third key location, alongside its Malta and London hubs.

“We are pleased to have been by Eeze Romania’s side throughout this process and to have identified the right space for their profile as a next-generation technology company. In an office market where demand is more tempered and companies are far more selective, Eeze’s decision to consolidate its presence in AFI Park Floreasca demonstrates their confidence in Romania’s and Bucharest’s potential as a regional hub for the gaming and tech industries,” said Mădălina Marinescu, Head of Office Agency at Crosspoint Real Estate.

“The market is becoming increasingly polarised between modern, energy-efficient, ESG-compliant buildings and the older stock, which requires major investment to remain competitive, and buildings such as AFI Park Floreasca are precisely the type preferred today by dynamic tenants. We are proud to have contributed to this alignment between Eeze’s strategy and current market trends,” she added.

According to Eeze, the move supports the company’s ongoing expansion and follows recent investments across its international footprint.

“The commercial progress we’ve made has been reinvested in our core infrastructure, and we’re delighted to pave the way for us to move into a standout location in the heart of Bucharest’s business district. We have made a commitment to our staff to deliver best-in-class office space, and this latest step reinforces that, ensuring our employees can enjoy great places to work across our three hubs,” said Lai Fatt Chiang, Chief Operating Officer at Eeze.

AFI Park Floreasca is part of a modern office campus designed to meet energy efficiency and ESG standards. The Bucharest expansion follows a planned upgrade of Eeze’s Malta operations and the opening of a new office in London earlier this year.

The transaction takes place against the backdrop of a cooling Bucharest office market. In the first nine months of 2025, net take-up declined by 22% year-on-year, reflecting lower demand from IT and technology companies, which had previously driven leasing activity. As a result, competition has intensified among projects offering modern, efficient and well-located office space.

Despite the more cautious market environment, the lease indicates that demand remains for quality office projects among companies with defined growth strategies. For Crosspoint Real Estate, the transaction adds to its track record in the technology sector during a period of more selective leasing activity.

VAFO to lease warehouse space at VGP Park České Budějovice

VGP has signed a lease agreement with VAFO Praha, part of the international VAFO Group, for space at VGP Park České Budějovice. VAFO will occupy Hall E, with a total area of approximately 51,500 sqm, including around 50,000 sqm of warehouse space and 1,500 sqm of offices. Part of the warehouse, covering about 6,600 sqm, will be equipped with an automated 4D Shuttle system. The handover of the newly completed premises is planned for July 2027. The building is targeting BREEAM certification at the Excellent level.

VAFO Group is a Czech family-owned company established in 1994 and active in the production of pet food for dogs, cats and small mammals. The group operates nine production facilities across Europe and supplies products to more than 90 markets worldwide, with annual output exceeding 270,000 tonnes.

“As we are continuously expanding our production capacity, most recently with a new production line in Číčenice, for example, the need for larger and more modern storage space is also growing. We have several plants in South Bohemia, so this location is really key for us. The new premises at VGP Park České Budějovice will help us streamline our logistics and serve our customers even better,” says Jakub Majer, Board Member of VAFO Group.

VGP Park České Budějovice is located in the Světlík commercial zone on the outskirts of the city, near the D3 motorway connecting South Bohemia with Linz, Austria. The park is designed for logistics and light manufacturing uses. Once completed, the 37-hectare site will comprise seven industrial halls with a total leasable area exceeding 130,000 sqm. The development also includes the reconstruction of a nearby cycle path and the revitalisation of an adjacent pond, intended to support local biodiversity and water retention.

In addition to large-scale logistics and production facilities, the park also offers Small Business Units combining warehouse, showroom and office space, starting from around 250 sqm. These units are occupied by tenants including Toyota Dolák, Fitness Trade and Sun Construct.

Two halls at VGP Park České Budějovice are already operational and fully leased to the logistics company Dachser, while construction of further buildings is ongoing.

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