ELAD Investments, Kajima’s pan-European Logistics platform, is developing a 176,000 sqm brownfield site in Bischweier, Germany, to create a new sustainable 130,000 sqm build-to-suit warehouse for Mercedes-Benz AG (‘Mercedes’). Mercedes is the world’s fifth-largest car manufacturer and Germany’s third-largest company by revenue. The project represents ELAD Investments’ fourth logistics scheme in Germany, alongside sites in Kaltenkirchen, Dortmund and Magdeburg.
The Bischweier site is strategically located to serve two existing Mercedes manufacturing plants in Rastatt and Kuppenheim, both within a ten-minute drive. The new warehouse will centralise various smaller logistics facilities Mercedes currently operates in the region. This consolidation will help reduce truck mileage by 18.9 million kilometres and CO2 emissions by 16.5 million tonnes annually, aligning with Mercedes’ decarbonisation ambitions.
Decarbonisation is one of the company’s most important transformation goals, reflected in its “Ambition 2039” strategy, which outlines targets for climate protection in production, supply chain, products and services.
The building is designed to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability. It will feature approximately 80,000 sqm for a solar PV system with a capacity of up to 8MW, used to power the ICC and e-charging for trucks, cars and bikes on site.
Mezzanine areas will be created for office and social spaces, with fossil-free heating provided by heat pumps and insulated by 40,000 sqm of green roofing. The project aims to achieve DGNB Platinum certification, the most prestigious level awarded by the German Sustainable Building Council. The development underscores ELAD’s commitment to environmental excellence and becoming a climate-positive business.
The project strengthens ELAD Investments’ portfolio and increases its exposure to the German logistics market. ELAD’s portfolio features 17 stabilised buildings and buildings currently under development. The business has successfully delivered over 30 logistics assets and over 1.4 million sqm of space for investors across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands.
The completion of the development is planned for mid-2025.
Lucas Kester, Senior Investment Manager for Kajima’s ELAD Investment Platform, said: “The Bischweier project cements our position in the German logistics market and marks a significant advancement in Kajima’s growth strategy across Western Europe.
“Mercedes-Benz is an iconic business synonymous with Germany’s world-leading and innovative reputation in automobile manufacturing. The new Bischweier warehouse is strategically positioned and will be built to meet the highest sustainability standards, aligning with our ESG principles as a developer with Mercedes’ targets for climate protection in production.
“We continue actively seeking strategic development opportunities to expand our presence in existing markets and throughout Europe.”
