Discounters already account for over 40% of stores in Poland and their growth is creating demand for modern industrial and logistics space across the country. Having developed a vast amount of space for the leading players, Panattoni has become a tried-and-tested partner for this sector. This space includes 60,800 sqm in Silesia that was delivered to Action, an international chain of non-food discount stores with operations across eleven European countries. In mid-June this year, another giant development was opened for this Dutch company that already has 280 stores in Poland. Now Panattoni has been granted a €27.5 million loan to finance the completed centre.

“The distribution centre in Zakroczym is Action’s thirteenth such centre in Europe and its third in Poland. Two of these Polish centres were successfully developed by Panattoni. The bank financing granted by Berlin Hyp demonstrates the trust financial institutions have in our developments for the non-food discount retail sector, which is growing particularly fast,” says Karina Trojańska, Chief Financing & Operating Officer at Panattoni.

“Once again we are developing a made-to-measure building for Action. When we jointly opened the centre in Bieruń, the company had fewer than 180 stores but now the chain numbers 280. It is a wonderful feeling to play an important role in the success of a brand in Poland. The best proof of our competence in the Panattoni BTS department is yet another successful project to serve either retail or e-commerce,” says Marek Foryński, BTS Managing Director at Panattoni.

The latest BTS development has been built in Zakroczym over an area of 53,000 sqm, which is enough space for up to even 47,000 pallets. Such a huge volume will allow up to 160 Action stores to be supplied throughout Poland and in particular it will allow for further growth across the Warsaw region. The new distribution centre will stock a full range of non-food products. The company will also make use of a modern office section of almost 3,000 sqm. The development is to undergo BREEAM certification for a rating of ‘Excellent’.

“Panattoni has been very active across the Warsaw region having delivered almost 2 million sqm of space. This is of huge benefit to the non-food discount sector. By creating made-to-measure buildings not only with bespoke technological and green solutions but also carefully selected locations within key markets, we can assure companies a competitive advantage and support them as they grow rapidly. With over 100 BTS centres in Central and Eastern Europe as well as yet another high-ceiling centre that has been handed over to Action, we have the evidence that our department is growing fast and further completions are just a question of time,” adds Maciej Zawada, the BTS Development Director.

The distribution centre in Zakroczym is to use sustainable solutions that include solar collectors for heating water, smart metres for electricity and water, and modern energy-efficient lighting. Moreover, the company’s workers will be able to use charging stations for their electric vehicles.