Pfenning Logistics is developing and building the two properties itself according to its own multicube concept and is aiming for DGNB Platinum certification (German Sustainable Building Council) for the properties. In addition, GDP (Good Distribution Practices) and IFS (International Featured Standards) certifications are to be achieved. Investments of around 120 million euros are associated with the new construction projects. The family-owned company also expects to create 300 additional jobs in the region.

The construction of the multi-user logistics centers expands the logistics capacities of the Pfenning Logistics Group in central Germany. The investments are part of the company's growth strategy and amount to a mid three-digit million euro sum. "North-eastern Hesse is one of the most important logistics regions in Germany and therefore a hub within European logistics. Thanks to the new logistics properties, we can meet the requirements of a wide range of industries with maximum flexibility," says Rana Matthias Nag, Managing Director of the Pfenning Logistics Group, explaining the choice of location.

Multi-temperature system for subsidiary HFL

The Freshcube Osthessen multi-temperature facility is being built at the headquarters of subsidiary HFL Herbst Frischelogistik in Bad Hersfeld, where a total of 12,000 m² of temperature-controlled storage space as well as social rooms and office space for the administration of HFL employees will be available on two floors. The new construction work will begin at the start of 2022, after which the storage areas will be put into operation in three temperature zones between 4 and 25 °C.

Thomas Fehling, Mayor of Bad Hersfeld, welcomes the move to the location: "Thanks to its central and convenient location, our municipality offers important network advantages, especially for logistics companies. We are delighted that Pfenning Logistics and HFL-Frischelogistik, which we are familiar with, will be using these advantages to strengthen the business location."

Pfenning Logistics is building a larger multi-user logistics center - called Multicube Osthessen - with a storage area of 77,000 m² in Mecklar, a town in the neighbouring municipality of Ludwigsau, on a site of around 150,000 m². Once the construction work has been completed, this location will enable cooling between exactly 14 and 18 °C.

Wilfried Hagemann, Mayor of the municipality of Ludwigsau, acknowledges these efforts: "The Multicube concept convinced us not only because of the consistent ecological sustainability aspect in construction and over the entire life cycle. We also see Pfenning Logistics as a committed partner that creates added value for the municipality, the local population and the local economy."

The concept

The real estate construction method developed by the company ensures that sustainability criteria relevant to construction and operation are fully taken into account. "It is part of our social responsibility as an owner-managed group of companies that we are also aiming for a high DGNB certification for the logistics centers planned in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district," says Nag. "We have decades of experience in the construction and operation of logistics centers and we also know that good space for logistics is rare. We are therefore all the more pleased that we will be able to provide our services from such excellent locations in the future," emphasizes Nag. Both projects are due to be completed and put into operation at the beginning of 2023.

The article appeared in materialfluss 11-21/21.