Internet retailer Amazon has opened its new robotic distribution centre in Kojetin, Přerov region, where it plans to employ up to 2,000 workers. This is Amazon's second distribution centre in the Czech Republic, but the new one is equipped with the most advanced robotic technology, the Czech News Agency (ČTK) reported.

According to Savills, growth in prime rents is set to remain robust across the continent having increased by 10.4% in the last four quarters. This is despite vacancy creeping up to 3.5% in Q1 2023, reflecting the impact of slower leasing activity.

Industrial developer Logicor has expanded the e-commerce warehouse space in Bucharest I Logistics Park Mogosoaia for pharmacy chain Dr.Max to around 16,000 sqm.  

The relocation of production facilities from far-away locations, such as Asia, is generating additional demand for industrial and logistics projects in CEE-based markets, with Romania being among the biggest beneficiaries, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report. 

The Polish warehouse real estate market has slowed after a record period of growth that was achieved during the pandemic. Gross demand for warehouse space in Poland for Q1 2023 totalled more than 982,000 sqm, a 35 percent year-on-year drop and an 18 percent decline compared to the five-year average. According to JLL's analysis, however, Q1 2023 was better than the corresponding periods in 2019 and 2020. Most of the new demand was in Poland's major logistics regions.

Panattoni has started the construction of Panattoni Park Poznań East II with an area of approximately 35,000 square meters. The project will be financed by Santander Bank, allocating a sum of €18 million.

Industrial investment volumes in Europe declined by 49% quarter-on-quarter, which was a 73% decline compared to Q1 2022. The Czech Republic is one of the three countries that has recorded the smallest decline in investment volumes year-on-year, Savills reported in the latest European Logistics Outlook. 

European businesses have for years been shifting manufacturing to remote locations, targeting Asia Pacific in particular. Recent global turmoil has, however, disrupted supply chains, revealing the length and complexity of processes enabling the sourcing, transport and consumption of various products. Furthermore, the growing significance of sustainability is compelling companies to rethink their business strategies. This is naturally shifting the focus of business to nearshoring and… to Poland. Cushman & Wakefield estimates that warehouse occupancy and operating costs in Poland are even over 50% lower than in some Western European countries.

The Slovak government has approved the Ministry of Economy's proposal to allocate €21 million to prepare three industrial parks in Slovakia through MH Invest.

The largest online perfume and cosmetics store in Europe has leased over 28,000 sqm of warehouse space in MDC2 Łódź South Park.