With the onset of 2022, Panattoni opens a new chapter with the ambition to build on the previous period, which was marked by breaking a number of records. Last year, the most visible success was achieved in signing and extending contracts, the sum of which in reality meant over 530,000 sqm of leased space. This is a significant market share also with regard to the total gross demand realized in the Czech Republic, which last year amounted to 2,460,000 sqm of leased space.
In terms of the volume of new construction, the second half of the Panattoni was particularly record-breaking, with the company having 296,000 m2 of industrial space under construction in the third quarter of 2021. Thanks to this, the company became the most active industrial builder on the Czech market during this period. The fourth quarter was also very successful, which foreshadowed breaking its own record when the company built a total of 352,000 sqm in nine different locations.
A very significant achievement last year was the start of construction of the most modern robotic center for Amazon, which Panattoni is building in Kojetín in the Přerov region. It is the first multi-storey class A building, which is the largest in the Czech Republic in terms of leasable area. The four-storey building with a record storage area of almost 190,000 sqm is growing on a brownfield after the former settling tanks of the defunct sugar factory.
“We made the most of business opportunities caused by rapid growth in e-commerce last year. We managed to be one of the most active builders of industrial areas in the Czech Republic, as evidenced by the number of construction starts in five completely new locations. In 2021 we started building in Kojetín, Ostrov, Teplice, Týniště nad Orlicí and in Zdice. In the first half of this year, we will start construction of a state-of-the-art forklift hall for Jungheinrich in Chomutov. In this case, it is even the largest pre-lease for a manufacturing company in the Czech Republic in the last 10 years,” says Pavel Sovička, Panattoni’s General Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Panattoni confirmed its position as a leader in the field of sustainable development and the use of modern technologies last year. This is the first industrial real estate builder to introduce the Excellent level to the construction standard within the BREEAM New Construction certification.
“Sustainability and environmentally friendly construction are among the core values of our company. Thanks to the transformation of neglected and unused localities, we return life to places where industry has a tradition, and by revitalizing them we contribute to the development of adjacent municipalities and cities. An example of this activity from last year is the project north of Nýřany, where two new halls with BREEAM Excellent certification will be built on the territory of former coal mines and concrete plants,” adds Pavel Sovička.
Last year was a period of many positive changes and innovations within the Czech branch of Panattoni. The lease of an additional 550 sqm of modern space in the Špork Palace and the recruitment of new employees meant further expansion for the company. Interesting news has taken place even on a global scale, with the company’s presence in Europe expanding. In addition to offices in Poland, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, three new Panattoni branches have joined in Hungary, France and Sweden.
“The year 2021 was really turbulent for our society in a positive sense. Changes also took place in the management of our company. Klára Sobotková was promoted to the position of Business Development Director and Jiří Zita took over the management of the commercial team as the new Commercial Director. We believe that this year, in which Panattoni will celebrate 15 years on the Czech market, will be no less successful,” concludes Pavel Sovička.
