Poland's industrial sector remains in great shape. Up to 2.8 million sqm of space was leased and 1.3 million sqm delivered to market from the beginning of January to the end of September 2018. Nearly 2.1 million sqm of industrial space remains under construction, according to JLL.

According to Cresa’s latest report, the vacancy rate on Poland warehouse market is at a record low of 4.3% at the end Q3 2018 (down by 0.9 pp compared to September 2017). With new supply continually on the rise, Poland’s warehouse and industrial stock has already surpassed the 15 million sqm mark.

Excellent warehouse market figures for the third quarter this year show that growth is being maintained in Poland. Demand has exceeded 3 million sqm since the beginning of the year, with 870,000 sqm leased in the third quarter alone. This result is 20% higher compared with the same period last year. An impressive 2.16 million sqm of warehouse and production space is under construction, of which 33% will be delivered on the market by the end of the year, according to a report prepared by AXI IMMO.

Panattoni Europe plans to transform the former Škoda Plzeň complex in the Borské terasy area in Pilsen into a modern technological centre. The extensive 28-hectare brownfield is currently empty, but it has great infrastructure and is well connected to the surrounding industrial plants. Panattoni Europe’s plans are in line with the current development strategy of the city of Pilsen and are currently undergoing an EIA environmental impact assessment. The total amount of investment is estimated at more than €77 million (CZK 2 billion).

Romania's industrial and logistics market is currently benefitting from its best period in history, both in terms of supply and demand, with development being condensed in a number of large cities with access to at least one highway that facilitates the transport and distribution of goods in a shorter time and with lower costs to a larger number of customers.

Romanian developer Zacaria Group will invest €28 million in a business park in the city of Craiova. OTP Bank Romania will provide financing for the 53,000 sqm project.

JLL advised Metro in the process of consolidating its distribution centres into a one roof concept in the new project developed by WDP in the North area of Bucharest, Stefanesti. This is the largest transaction on the Romanian industrial market in this year.

The areas in northern Bucharest, such as Stefanestii de Jos and Chitila, have the potential to form a new logistics hub, according to Colliers International. Over 180,000 sqm of logistics space is to be delivered next year, as the West of the capital has become loaded in terms of the development of industrial and logistic spaces.

MLP Group has begun the construction of a warehousing facility in its logistics centre in Czeladź. The construction of the facility with an area of nearly 10,000 square meters is scheduled for completion in Q2 2019.

A recent report by CBRE and Panattoni Europe confirms a sustained positive outlook for the logistics market in Poland. The Logistics and Supply Chain Confidence Index in Poland stands at 57.4 pts (3.3 pts down from last year). Optimism is higher among logistics companies (64.1 pts) than among manufacturers and traders relying on logistics services (50.4 pts). What is more, as many as 8 out of 10 respondents expect to increase their revenues in the coming 12 months, and 6 out of 10 plan to increase headcount.