iO Partners Romania outlines vision and strategy for the next 3-5 Years

In a CIJ EUROPE interview with Vlad Stanislav, Managing Director of iO Partners Romania revealed the companies ambitious vision for the next three to five years, centered around sustainable growth, technological innovation, and adaptability in a transforming real estate landscape. With infrastructure development, technological advancements, ESG practices, and demographic shifts as the industry’s driving forces, iO Partners aims to leverage these dynamics to position itself as the premier choice in the CEE market.

“We’re positioning ourselves for a new real estate cycle,” stated Vlad Stanislav. “Our strategy includes geographic expansion and the introduction of new business lines to meet evolving market demands. By doing so, we aim to cement our leadership and drive long-term success.”

Setting iO Partners apart is its unique blend of local expertise and global insight, courtesy of its collaboration with JLL. This partnership has provided iO with an unparalleled edge, combining an in-depth understanding of Romania with a global reach. “Additionally, our expanding energy advisory division, which has doubled in size since last year, underscores our commitment to this growing sector, highlighting the potential we see in energy as a transformative factor in the market.”

Facing economic fluctuations and the rising demand for sustainable, ESG-compliant practices, iO Partners has enhanced its data-driven approach and invested heavily in sustainability and technological training for its team. These measures, the company noted, are designed to equip iO with the agility needed to guide clients through a complex landscape.

Reflecting on Romania’s recent growth fueled by urbanization, foreign investments, and economic expansion, iO Partners anticipates that technology integration, flexible workspaces, and sustainability will define the industry’s next phase. “Businesses are adapting to new work models, and as they prioritize environmental responsibility, innovative solutions are vital.”

The team identified digital transformation and innovation as key growth opportunities in Romania, driven by the increasing demand for smart buildings, tech integration, and flexible office spaces that meet the needs of modern clients.

Recognizing the importance of talent, iO Partners prioritizes creating an environment of openness and collaboration, with career development opportunities that emphasize innovation and professional growth. “Our entrepreneurial culture encourages team members to take calculated risks, fostering a sense of ownership and driving innovation.”

Aligned with this cultural foundation, iO Partners nurtures leadership and employee engagement by empowering managers to make entrepreneurial decisions, encouraging collaboration and personal initiative.

ESG is more than a trend at iO Partners; it’s embedded in their operations and strategy. “We integrate ESG-based solutions into our consulting and projects, prioritizing sustainable development, energy efficiency, and community engagement,” the spokesperson noted, emphasizing the importance of responsible business practices.

As nearshoring gains traction in the CEE region, iO Partners sees increasing potential in Romania. “We recently assisted Nokian in relocating operations to Romania, underscoring the appeal of our region for companies seeking proximity to core markets.” iO Partners is also investing in innovative solutions, such as 3D space planning, in partnership with Bright Spaces, to offer clients state-of-the-art services.

To remain at the forefront, iO Partners focuses on continuous learning, staying attuned to the latest advancements in smart building technologies, data analytics, and enhanced workplace solutions. “These efforts help us optimize client operations, boost efficiency, and create adaptive, future-ready environments.”

With a forward-thinking approach, iO Partners Romania is poised to drive significant advancements in Romania’s real estate market, bringing innovative, sustainable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and communities across the CEE region.

© CIJ EUROPE

New Panattoni Slovakia Regional Development Director sets focus on growth and sustainability

As the newly appointed Regional Development Director at Panattoni Slovakia, Marian Fridrich is stepping into a role centered on expanding Panattoni’s footprint in Slovakia and continuing the progress the company has made over the past five years. “My main objective is to build on the strong foundation Panattoni has established, driving growth by securing new locations and attracting tenants to our projects,” Marian Fridrich shared. Under his leadership, Panattoni aims to cement its reputation in Slovakia’s industrial real estate market by leveraging its unique business model, designed to deliver both profitable and sustainable growth.

Two of Panattoni’s high-profile projects, Panattoni Bratislava North I & II, are key priorities for Marian Fridrich and the team. “These projects are a significant focus for us due to existing leases and our commitment to completing construction for our tenants,” he explained. By securing strong tenant relationships and delivering state-of-the-art facilities, Panattoni is positioning itself as a preferred developer in the region.

In the face of rapid industry changes, Marian Fridrich emphasizes staying ahead by closely monitoring market trends such as carbon neutrality, shifts in automotive technology, and evolving retail and e-commerce demands. “Being well-informed is crucial. We’re constantly tracking trends, from electrification in automotive to last-mile delivery solutions. While I won’t give away all our strategies, keeping pace with these shifts is key to staying competitive,” he noted.

Sustainability and innovation, Marian Fridrich believes, are inseparable components of Panattoni’s approach. He explains, “These two go hand in hand, driving us not just to be profitable but also to be responsible developers. Our strategy embraces both, aligning with global carbon neutrality goals while focusing on the future generation’s needs.” This commitment positions Panattoni as a leader not only in development but also in environmental responsibility.

Reflecting on the challenges in the Slovak logistics market,Marian Fridrich points to the complexities in local permitting processes, which can impact developers’ flexibility. “The market’s elasticity is limited by permitting practices, making it difficult to respond swiftly to demand. Additionally, workforce availability is a growing concern as the industry expands,” he said, highlighting the need for adaptable and forward-thinking strategies in a challenging landscape.

Looking ahead, Marian Fridrich envisions steady growth for the Slovak logistics market over the next three to five years. “While it’s hard to predict, if we see a revitalization effort in Ukraine, Slovakia could play a vital role in supporting logistics needs for that reconstruction,” he added, underscoring Slovakia’s potential to become a regional logistics hub in times of geopolitical change.

With a focus on sustainable growth, strategic expansion, and market resilience, Marian Fridrich aims to lead Panattoni Slovakia into a future that balances business success with environmental and social responsibility.

DHL Supply Chain launches first Central and Eastern European warehouse with autoStore system

DHL Supply Chain has unveiled its first warehouse in Poland equipped with the cutting-edge AutoStore system, marking a milestone for the company’s operations in Central and Eastern Europe. This advanced, robotized facility in Gorzów Wielkopolski is the first of its kind in the region for DHL, a global leader in contract logistics. Element Logic, a prominent global distributor of automated warehouse solutions, designed and implemented the system, bringing a new level of efficiency to Poland’s e-commerce supply chain.

The AutoStore system is an innovative automated storage solution where products are managed by a fleet of robots, each dedicated to optimizing the flow of goods. Utilizing an aluminum framework, items are stored in bins and transported throughout the facility by the automated robots, allowing the warehouse to handle hundreds of thousands of different products with enhanced precision.

In the Gorzów warehouse, 25 robots and 33,000 storage bins power the AutoStore system. The robots streamline order fulfillment, locating and transporting the correct bins to workstations where employees complete and prepare orders for shipment. This collaboration between humans and robots accelerates order processing and dispatch, driving greater customer satisfaction through faster deliveries.

“We are proud to integrate such a modern solution into our Polish logistics network,” said Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain EMEA. “Our experience with nine AutoStore systems globally shows that it’s a highly profitable investment, addressing challenges such as labor costs, warehouse expenses, and environmental impact. This facility is another step in DHL’s global strategy to advance innovative and efficient logistics solutions.”

After a 12-month installation period and rigorous testing, the warehouse successfully began operations on August 21. The fully automated Gorzów facility now stands as a model of logistics innovation on Poland’s western border.

Element Logic, DHL’s partner and system provider, played a crucial role in delivering this regional first for automated warehousing in Central and Eastern Europe. “The AutoStore solution is essential for companies aiming to optimize warehouse operations. We are delighted to collaborate with DHL on this groundbreaking project,” said Anna Wiśniewska, Managing Director of Element Logic.

The benefits of AutoStore include:
• Space Optimization: A vertical layout and compact storage design maximize space, enabling higher storage capacity.
• Increased Efficiency: Automated processes minimize order-picking times and elevate throughput.
• Scalability: The system’s modular structure allows for easy expansion to match growing needs.
• Enhanced Ergonomics: Automation reduces physical strain for employees, improving workplace safety and comfort.

As e-commerce booms across Europe, Poland has emerged as a strategic logistics hub for the CEE and Northern European regions. With investments in state-of-the-art technologies like AutoStore, Polish logistics centers are reinforcing their position on the global stage.

Report: Ukrainian workers predominantly employed in Polish production and construction sectors

The production and construction sectors continue to be the main employers of Ukrainian workers in Poland, employing 41% and 24% respectively, according to the latest findings from the Polish Economic Institute (PIE). The data, published in PIE’s “Economic Week,” reveals that two-thirds of foreigners registered for pension insurance in Poland are Ukrainian, underscoring their strong presence in the Polish workforce.

The study indicates that, while Ukrainians contribute significantly to various sectors, construction faced notable shifts in Ukrainian workforce availability after the outbreak of war in Ukraine. About 9% of construction companies reported ceasing to hire Ukrainian workers due to the conflict, and Ukrainians currently have lower employment representation in retail (16%), transport and logistics (17%), and services (18%).

Compared to October 2022, the overall share of Ukrainian workers in Poland has seen a slight decline, falling by 0.3 percentage points by October 2024. The service and transport sectors experienced the sharpest decreases in Ukrainian employment, with drops of 10 and 7 percentage points respectively.

Data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) shows that Ukrainians make up around 780,000 of the foreigners registered for retirement and disability insurance in Poland, including employees, those under contracts, and self-employed individuals. Their roles are most concentrated in administration and support services (20%) and industrial processing (19%), followed closely by construction (14%), transport and warehousing (12%), and retail (9%).

Over the past two years, the total number of Ukrainians registered with ZUS for pension insurance has grown by approximately 35,000, PIE noted, reflecting their continued importance in the Polish labor market despite recent challenges.

Source: PIE and ISBNews

Half of Poles now have home insurance, but weather risks raise concerns

Only half of Poles have secured their homes or apartments with insurance, despite growing concerns about extreme weather events. According to a new study by the General Insurance Institution (PZU), homeowners are particularly worried about severe storms, hail, and lightning, which pose increased risks of property damage. In contrast, urban residents in multi-family buildings show greater concern for risks like flooding, theft, and household system failures.

“Climate change is making extreme weather more frequent and intense, raising the risk of significant damage from strong winds, hail, heavy rain, and lightning,” stated PZU, Poland’s largest insurer. The survey shows that around 90% of homeowners fear these events, though only about half have ensured their policies cover these specific risks. Meanwhile, both homeowners and apartment dwellers rank fire as their top concern.

In response, PZU is rolling out a new awareness campaign to highlight the importance of comprehensive property insurance, addressing both unforeseen events and realistic asset valuation. Marta Strzyżewska, PZU’s Managing Director of Marketing and Social Involvement, stressed the need for property owners to assess the full scope of their insurance needs. “Our survey shows that people often lack awareness about the full range of risks they face, which affects their insurance choices,” she said. Strzyżewska noted that PZU’s campaign is designed to educate the public on the critical need to protect assets against potential losses.

PZU’s spokesman, Piotr Ożarek, emphasized the importance of correctly estimating a property’s value to ensure proper coverage. “When valuing a property, it’s essential to include not only the building structure but also interior elements like electronics, furniture, and sporting equipment. This approach ensures that, in case of damage, the insurance payout will restore the property to its pre-event state,” Ożarek explained.

The campaign, which began on November 5 and will run until December 8, features digital ads and 30- and 15-second video spots aimed at enhancing Poles’ understanding of property insurance and helping them safeguard their homes and valuables.

Source: PZU and ISBnews

Housing prices surge across major Polish cities despite record supply

Housing prices in Poland continue to soar across most major cities, despite an influx of new housing stock and cooling demand. This ongoing trend is highlighted in the latest Metrohouse and Credipass Barometer for Q3 2024, in partnership with RynekPierwotny.pl. The report reveals that properties under PLN 10,000 per square meter are becoming increasingly scarce in major city markets.

According to Metrohouse expert Marcin Jańczuk, while the high housing supply and limited buyer activity typically suggest conditions for price stabilization or decreases, Poland’s housing market remains surprisingly resilient. “Rather than experiencing the expected price adjustments, we’re seeing a continuation of price hikes. These are not localized increases but are widespread across most large cities,” Jańczuk noted. Only in Łódź do average transaction prices remain under PLN 10,000 per square meter for pre-owned apartments.

Mortgage availability, however, remains a limiting factor. As Credipass financial expert Andrzej Lukaszewski explains, high-interest rates and strict bank lending policies have prevented many from taking on new mortgages. This has, in turn, slowed both the housing and mortgage markets, despite relatively stable creditworthiness for most buyers. In Q3, a two-person family with a monthly household income of PLN 12,000 saw their credit limit decrease marginally to PLN 741,000, while couples without children qualified for slightly more, at PLN 766,000.

Developers also report reduced activity. Sales across Poland’s six largest housing markets fell by 13% in Q3 compared to Q2, while new listings dropped by 6%, according to RynekPierwotny.pl. Yet, housing prices remain resilient. Average prices for new units increased across each of the top six markets.

At the end of September 2024, Łódź and Poznań had the highest share of new apartments priced under PLN 10,000 per square meter, at 27.6% and 10.9%, respectively. In Warsaw, where demand is particularly strong, only 0.9% of new listings fell below this price threshold, underscoring the affordability challenges faced by potential homebuyers in the capital.

Source: ISBnews

Photon Energy raises dispute with Czech Republic over PV project policy changes

In response to recent government policy shifts, Photon Energy, alongside other investors, has issued a formal notice of dispute against the Czech Republic. The company alleges that proposed reductions in state support for photovoltaic (PV) projects violate international agreements, including the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with the Slovak Federal Republic and Switzerland.

The notice claims that the Czech Republic’s proposed policy changes, which target the structure and duration of state support for renewable energy projects, contradict commitments made under these treaties. Photon Energy argues that these actions infringe on the ECT’s guarantees for fair treatment of investments and prohibitions against expropriation.

Between 2005 and 2013, the Czech Republic introduced a subsidy program to support PV projects, promising predictable returns through feed-in tariffs or subsidies aligned with market electricity prices. The Czech government guaranteed this support for 20 years for PV plants commissioned between 2009 and 2010. However, recent policy changes include reduced levels of support, stricter regulations on excess return rates, and a removal of support when electricity prices fall into negative territory.

“These measures will deprive investors of expected benefits and severely impact the profitability of their PV projects,” said Photon Energy. The company insists that such abrupt policy shifts undermine investor confidence and disregard the Czech Republic’s obligations to uphold fair and stable investment conditions.

Photon Energy and its co-investors have requested a response from the Czech government to indicate whether it is open to settling the dispute amicably. If not, Photon and its partners intend to seek compensation for anticipated financial losses resulting from these new measures.

Source: Photon Energy and ISBnews

Crestyl Group welcomes new CEO Simon Johnson, founder Omar Koleilat takes on strategic role

In a milestone shift for Czech developer Crestyl Group, Simon Johnson, the company’s long-serving Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been appointed as CEO, marking the first leadership transition in Crestyl’s nearly 30-year history. Omar Koleilat, the company’s founder and previous CEO, will step back from day-to-day management but remain closely involved as an owner and strategic advisor.

Koleilat, reflecting on the transition, noted, “I built Crestyl from the ground up so it could thrive without being dependent on me. This transition to professional management was essential as we grew and entered the Polish market three years ago. Today’s announcement solidifies the steps we’ve been working towards.” Koleilat also emphasized that, while he is stepping away from operational tasks, he will continue to support Crestyl’s strategic direction.

Simon Johnson, now Group CEO, brings over 35 years of real estate experience, including leadership on major developments in London, Prague, and Bratislava. Since joining Crestyl in 2011, he has driven operational growth across the group and managed Czech projects, establishing himself as a key figure in Crestyl’s expansion. Johnson remarked on the seamless transition, underscoring Crestyl’s strength as a collaborative team: “This isn’t just about me but about the entire leadership group. We’ve built a close-knit management team over many years, and there will be no change in the company’s direction or operations.”

Johnson, a UK native who has made Central Europe his professional home since the 1990s, has played integral roles in the development of Bratislava’s Eurovea Centre and Prague’s Palladium. Fluent in Czech and Slovak, he holds Czech citizenship and brings a commitment to the region’s growth. Outside of work, Johnson enjoys sports, cooking, and fine wine.

Koleilat founded Crestyl in 2005, guiding it through significant projects and expansions across Central Europe. With a background in architecture and real estate, he holds a UK RICS Postgraduate Diploma in Real Estate Investment. Known for his passion for sports, he played professional basketball before his career in real estate and now enjoys water skiing, a sport his children also compete in.

As Johnson takes the helm, Crestyl remains poised for continued success with a leadership team committed to sustaining the company’s reputation as a developer of high-quality, innovative properties across Central Europe.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate fully leases Niedersachsenpark Rieste with new logistics tenant

Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH has successfully secured a new lease for its final available plot at Niedersachsenpark Rieste, approximately 30 kilometers north of Osnabrück. The latest tenant, a prominent logistics service provider, will use an 11,500-square-meter facility within the park to manage and store automotive components, boosting local logistics and further diversifying the tenant mix at the site.

Philipp Petersen, Regional Manager for Hamburg at Garbe, highlighted the strategic success of the development: “With this leasing, we have achieved full occupancy at the Rieste site. Once again, it is clear that an excellent location combined with high-quality project development is a reliable guarantee for successful leases.” Garbe’s holdings in Niedersachsenpark now span three modern logistics properties across a total area of 91,000 square meters, all of which are fully leased.

The new logistics tenant will occupy half of a newly completed facility, which comprises 9,500 square meters of hall space, 1,500 square meters of mezzanine space, and 500 square meters dedicated to office and social areas. The other half of the 23,000-square-meter logistics building is currently leased by Schletter Solar GmbH, a manufacturer specializing in photovoltaic mounting systems. To accommodate efficient operations, the hall is equipped with 15 dock levellers and an exterior area featuring 19 parking spaces for cars and five for trucks.

Niedersachsenpark, spanning over 400 hectares, is Lower Saxony’s largest commercial and industrial zone. The park’s prime location along the A1 motorway, a major north-south corridor in Germany, enables efficient logistics and direct connections to the Ruhr area and the Netherlands. Garbe’s new facility was built to meet stringent environmental standards, incorporating high-performance photovoltaic systems on the roof and aiming for DGNB Gold certification, underscoring Garbe’s commitment to sustainable development.

Sunrise Real Estate completes Amsterdam West Development Centre with sustainability at the forefront

Sunrise Real Estate has announced the completion of its Amsterdam West Development Centre (AWDC) in the Netherlands. The state-of-the-art logistics hub, encompassing 19,660 square meters, is Sunrise’s first in-house development project in the country and boasts an array of sustainable features, positioning it as a standout in the region’s logistics market.

The AWDC is strategically located in a prime logistics park, providing seamless access to major transport hubs including Schiphol Airport, the Amsterdam Port, and the extensive motorway network that connects to Haarlem and beyond. Comprised of four units ranging from 3,785 to 7,085 square meters, the centre is already partially occupied, with furniture and interior design retailer Loods 5 and British activewear brand AYBL securing pre-let agreements for Units 1 and 2, respectively. Two additional units are still available, being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers.

Sustainability is central to the design of AWDC, which has achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating. Key features include rooftop solar panels, green roofs, grey water recycling systems, EV charging stations, and LED lighting. In addition, Sunrise has implemented an innovative renewable energy and battery storage solution. With a 2MWp solar photovoltaic system, a 660 kW battery, and a small grid connection, AWDC will meet approximately 50% of its annual energy needs through renewable sources, catering to tenants’ growing demand for eco-friendly, energy-efficient infrastructure.

Matthew Stevens, Head of Development at Sunrise Real Estate, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We are delighted to celebrate the construction completion of AWDC, which is our first major development delivered in-house in the Netherlands. This is a Class A asset… With its impressive environmental credentials and innovative renewable energy systems, we expect AWDC to attract the attention of occupiers on the hunt for futureproofed warehousing just 15 minutes from Amsterdam.”

The project was led by Heembouw as the general contractor, with project management by C2N.

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