IIG solves Western companies’ industrial and logistics real estate risks in emerging markets

Aalst (Belgium), 23 July 2008 – Many Western companies are poised to enter emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, but are wary of the potential risks linked with real estate developments in these markets. Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European developer of tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate, is ideally placed to address these concerns through its own expertise and through its close relationship with local partners in these markets.

Western companies are often concerned about the build quality of facilities in emerging markets. IIG solves this problem by consistently applying international building standards, irrespective of where a project may be located. IIG’s headquarters based and highly experienced engineers, who form part of every project team, monitor the implementation of its building standards.
A second issue troubling many Western companies in emerging markets is insecurity about land plot related issues. For instance, the lack of consistency with Russia’s privatisation waves makes it very difficult for an outsider to judge whether he is presented with a land title that would hold in court. IIG solves this potential risk by working closely with strong and reliable local real estate partners whose knowledge of local legislation and business practices clears this issue. IIG’s local partners will also assist in resolving any technical issues, such as a technical land plot due diligence, and in obtaining all required permits.

Western companies are typically very pre-occupied with time. In some emerging markets, legislation may impose a time constraint on Western companies for implementing local production procurement targets. IIG solves this issue with its industrial parks strategy. In cooperation with its local partners, IIG has developed a network of 18 strategically located industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and other CIS states that not only solve land title issues, but also reduce project implementation times.

A fourth concern to Western companies is how to manage the financial risks of real estate developments in emerging markets. IIG solves this problem by offering off-balance financial solutions. This means that IIG assists its clients to focus their resources on their core business.

IIG’s solutions will always include the tailor-made, high quality approach that attracted such clients as VW, BMW, Lenovo, L’Oréal, ArcelorMittal, Gefco, Visteon, GE Appliances and Magna, irrespective of the country where the project is to be implemented. IIG’s engineers will apply their vast experience to their clients’ needs and often improve their logistics and industrial processes, leading to significant reductions in terms of initial investment and operational costs. In addition, IIG has signed joint venture agreements with strong and credible corporate partners who have significant local expertise and skills. IIG’s corporate partner in Russia and other CIS states is Rostik Group, a Forbes rated leader in the restaurant, tourism and real estate business sectors and an IIG shareholder. In Slovakia, Ukraine and Turkey, IIG has joint venture agreements with J&T Real Estate, Aladdin Group and Toros Capital Partners respectively.

“By combining its vast international expertise with a strong local presence, IIG effectively manages all potential risks that are associated with real estate developments in emerging markets,” says IIG CEO Filip Schelfhout. “Our Western clients in CIS countries, such as Finnish based Nokian Tyres in Ukraine, appreciate the fact that we allow them to focus on their core business while reducing costs and improving efficiency. We are presently designing similar solutions for other Western companies who are keen to seize opportunities and leave the risks up to the specialists, adding to our track record of more than 100 projects that have been handed over or are under construction.”

About IIG:
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimised on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its associated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM). IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 23 local offices in 18 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of more than 100 standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager, IIG
stijn.depreter@iig.org

IIG hands over operational cost reducing facilities to TI Automotive and Senator Pens

Trnava (Slovakia), Sulechow (Poland), Aalst (Belgium), 9 July 2008 – Significant cost reduction characterises two facilities handed over by Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European developer of tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate, in Slovakia and Poland recently. At the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava, TI Automotive moved into its new facility, which was developed in a joint venture between IIG and its corporate partner for Slovakia, J&T Real Estate. And in Sulechow, western Poland, IIG handed over a cost reducing facility to Senator Pens.

TI Automotive, the British based manufacturer of fluid carrying systems whose products are used in about half of global car production, was driven to the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava in Slovakia to reduce the logistics costs of some of its main clients. Initially, TI Automotive will supply break lines and bundles from its 1,200 sq. m facility to the Peugeot Citroën assembly plant, adjacent to the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava. IIG’s engineers have already anticipated TI Automotive’s intention to expand production to fuel lines and bundles for Peugeot Citroën and for other car assembly plants in Slovakia. “As TI Automotive’s parts no longer need to be transported from the Czech Republic, the new facility will save the Peugeot Citroën PSA Group considerable logistics costs,” says Oliver Garaj, TI Automotive’s plant manager in Trnava. “It will enable us to meet the sequencing requirements of our customers and ensure that we remain competitive in the global marketplace,” he adds.

IIG General Manager for Slovakia, Radovan Brtis, says the construction phase of the TI Automotive facility took only three months, as all required construction permits had already pre-obtained. “This is a typical example of the short-track approach at IIG’s industrial parks.” J&T Commercial Director Miroslav Fulop confirms: “The TI Automotive handover proves that at five months, our Trnava industrial park offers Slovakia’s shortest time interval between final contract and handover. This achievement confirms the validity and good logic of our entire logistics park project.”

In another development, in Sulechow, western Poland, IIG handed over the keys to Senator Pens for its writing instruments assembly and warehouse facility for the Polish and German markets. Senator Pens, Europe’s leading ballpoint manufacturer based in Germany, turned to IIG for a new, tailor-made facility that would enable the company to respond to growing market demand and to reduce operational costs. IIG handed over a 2,700 sq. m facility with a non-standard ceiling height of 8 m. “IIG’s solution will allow us to increase production by 50%,” says Hein Noordenbos, Senator Polska’s plant manager. “The new facility’s functional layout gives an excellent overview of the entire production process. We can now significantly reduce production time and cut our production costs,” Noordenbos adds.

IIG Project Coordinator Bartosz  Kociumbas comments: “Reducing our clients’ initial investment and operational costs whilst focusing our solutions on their needs is one of IIG’s top priorities. We are proud to have achieved this objective for Senator Pens.”

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager, IIG
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Immo Industry Group incorporates a new strategic shareholder:
Rostik Group, its current partner in Russia and the CIS.

Moscow (Russia), Aalst (Belgium), 25 June 2008 – Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European tailor-made logistics and industrial real estate developer, and Rostik Group, its strategic partner for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), announce that CorpEstate, the real estate subsidiary of Rostik Group, has agreed to acquire a 28.55% stake in IIG for EUR 23.2 million in a strategic move to further strengthen IIG’s dominant position in its key markets: Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, the CIS and Turkey.

Immo Industry Group’s shareholding structure will continue to be controlled by IIG Management, led by CEO Filip Schelfhout, with a 50.01% ownership upon completion of the whole transaction. The minority shareholders are Belgian contractor Willemen Group, owned by Johan Willemen, and JML, owned by Belgian entrepreneurs Marc De Waele and Luc Everaert.

Commenting on this broader partnership with Rostik Group, IIG CEO Filip Schelfhout says that in 2007, IIG and Rostik Group launched ImmoRosIndustry (IRI), a joint venture that delivers IIG’s tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate solutions in Russia and the CIS. “As cooperation between IIG and Rostik Group grew, it became clear and logical to us that we should lift our partnership for Russia and the CIS onto a higher level. Rostik Group having become a full IIG shareholder opens many opportunities for IIG’s future. We are very proud that Rostik Group, with its impressive track record, is joining our ambitious growth project.”

CorpEstate’s Managing Partner, Vladimir Mekhrishvili commented: “Today, CorpEstate is a fast growing business of Rostik Group, and IIG, led by the entrepreneur Filip Schelfhout, is well known for its high professional standing in its sector. Our initial joint venture with IIG in Russia and the CIS gave us an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the unique experience, know-how, technologies and IIG’s distinctive tailor-made approach for industrial and logistics parks. Now, by investing in IIG, we strengthen our partnership and support the growth of IIG’s very successful and profitable business also beyond Russia and the CIS.”

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager, IIG
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Valeria Silina
PR Director, the Rostik Group corporation
2pr@rosinter.ru
+7 (495) 788 44 88 (ext. 2457)

Melanishina Irina
Marketing & PR Director, CorpEstate
aqua@rosinter.ru
+7 (495) 788 44 88 (ext. 2545)

Immo Industry Group hands over another two tailor-made facilities to Gefco in Slovakia and France

Aalst, 28 May 2008 – Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European developer of tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate, announces that it has handed over two additional facilities to Gefco, the France based logistics service provider. At the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava in Slovakia, IIG and its Slovak corporate partner J&T Real Estate handed over a tailor-made cross-docking platform that will further improve logistics operations between the park’s tenants and their main client, the neighbouring PSA Peugeot Citroën manufacturing plant. In Metz, France, IIG has delivered a customised container washing installation facility to Gefco.

The two facilities IIG has handed over to Gefco assist the French logistics service provider to further improve connectivity with its clients and to reduce costs. The cross-docking platform IIG and its Slovak corporate partner J&T developed for Gefco at the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava was designed to facilitate Gefco’s just-in-time deliveries to the neighbouring PSA Peugeot Citroën car assembly plant and to other automotive suppliers in the park. The 3,100 sq. m platform designed by IIG’s engineers enables Gefco to deliver smaller quantities of parts at more regular intervals, as required by the assembly plant, and to accommodate larger supply flows simultaneously.

The Metz facility contains a sophisticated washing installation for GefBox containers, Gefco’s tailor-made reusable packaging management system that is used in the automotive industry. The IIG engineers’ design allows Gefco to allocate a new functionality required. The 5,700 sq. m facility contains two different clear heights of 5 and 8 m, enhancing functionality. IIG’s engineers included fire protection measures required for manipulating highly combustible items at the facility.

“IIG has been a close partner from the start, actively supporting our projects with its team of experts, and helping us to select the best engineering of our platforms to satisfy our customers,” Gefco Slovakia General Manager Olivier Large says. “Working with IIG brought us valuable experience about the logistics infrastructures in Central and Eastern Europe,” he adds.

With three projects completed to the client’s satisfaction, Gefco is a very important partner to IIG. “Gefco’s operations are crucial to most tenants at the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava, and we are proud that our engineering expertise is assisting Gefco to increase efficiency and to reduce costs,” says IIG Slovakia General Manager Radovan Brtis.

About IIG
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimised on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its associated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM). IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 21 local offices in 18 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics, retailer and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Immo Industry Group starts construction works at projects for BMW, ECI and TI Automotive

Aalst, 27 March 2008 – Immo Industry Group, the pan-European developer of smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, announces that it has started construction works at three projects in Central Europe. They are a distribution warehouse for BMW and an assembly facility for ECI in Poland, and a production facility for TI Automotive in Slovakia.

The BMW project consists of a 15,200 sq. m warehousing and offices facility in Slubice, Western Poland, near the German border. Its strategic location is perfectly suited to the facility’s intended use as a distribution centre for car and motorbike spare parts and accessories for the Polish and German markets. It has excellent access to the E30, the main European route connecting Germany and Poland. IIG’s in-house engineers delivered a solution that covers BMW’s specific warehousing requirements and includes within the high quality proposal a 5,900 sq. m extension possibility to cater for anticipated growth in BMW’s operations in the region. The BMW Group, which produces BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce cars and BMW motorbikes, has 23 production facilities in 13 countries.

Also in Poland, IIG started construction at its ECI project in Bielsko Biala, near Katowice in Southern Poland. IIG is building a production and warehousing facility for the global wire harness manufacturer. Due to stringent quality requirements demanded by ECI’s blue chip clients, IIG’s engineers ensured that the highest work floor standards would apply. The 10,700 sq. m facility can easily be expanded by another 3,500 sq. m.

In another milestone, IIG and J&T have started construction works on the TI Automotive facility at the IIG-J&T Industrial Park Trnava. TI Automotive, a leading global automotive supplier, was drawn to the park because of its ideal strategic location, next to the PSA manufacturing plant and close to VW’s Slovak production facility. “The new facility will save PSA tremendous logistic costs, as until now, our components have to be shipped from the Czech Republic“, says Oliver Garaj, TI Automotive’s Trnava plant manager. Mr Garaj points out that IIG-J&T perfectly translated his company’s requirements into a very efficient design that accommodated TI Automotive’s extension plans in advance.

ABOUT IIG:
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimized on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its affiliated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM).  IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 20 local offices in 17 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics, retailer and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Aalst, 7 March 2008 – Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European leader in tailor-made industrial real estate, reports that it has more than doubled business growth in 2007. IIG says it is set for even stronger growth in 2008, as increasing client demand is driving further expansion in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), leading to the opening of offices in several CIS member-states, Lithuania and Turkey.

Over the past years, IIG has built a strong reputation as the pan-European leader in smart, customized industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. With its philosophy of the smart approach, IIG understands cost-optimized solutions that maintain the highest standards. IIG takes a fully committed, pro-active approach from concept phase to the handover of a fully operational building, in close cooperation with the client. Every project starts with the client’s specific logistics and industrial process related needs and strategies. In-house specialists will advise on the most efficient concept, resulting in a tailor-made solution with an on- or off-balance financial proposal. The construction phase is supervised by IIG’s local and pan-European project managers. In addition, IIG presents full facility and property management (through its subsidiary IIFPM) and it can provide in-house consultancy on the optimization of logistics and industrial process activities (IILPS). In combination with its contracting subsidiary IIC, IIG offers control through full vertical integration.

In 2007, IIG experienced very strong growth. A robust project flow for new clients, such as PC manufacturer Lenovo and German manufacturer BMW, and for returning clients, such as logistics specialist Gefco and US-based car component manufacturer Visteon, have led IIG to almost triple its staff to a workforce numbering 196 and to move into its new, 4,000 sq. m large offices near Aalst, Belgium. In a strategic move, IIG concluded a joint venture with the Russian Rostik Group, a restaurant and real estate group rated by Forbes as a top-100 Russian company. The joint venture, ImmoRosIndustry (IRI), will offer the full package of vertically integrated and cost-optimized real estate solutions in Russia and the CIS.

For 2008, IIG expects even stronger growth, with 19 challenging projects already at the operational phase and about 40 active projects anticipated by the year’s end. This expansion is translated in IIG’s office plans for 2008: by the year’s end, IIG should have a further ten local offices in Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Lithuania and Turkey. The same growth is true of IIG’s industrial parks. At present, IIG already has an unmatched presence in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia, with 18 industrial parks in various development stages. IIG intends to increase this by another 10 parks in Russia, the CIS and Turkey. In order to meet this anticipated growth, IIG plans to roughly double its workforce.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager
stijn.depreter@iig.org

IIG’s engineering skills and ideal location secure Outokumpu, Plastal projects in Poland

Aalst (Belgium), Espoo (Finland), Poznan (Poland), 23 April 2008 – Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European developer of tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate, announces that it will build two production facilities in Poland for Scandinavian clients. The facility for Outokumpu, a Finland based leading global stainless steel products supplier, will be constructed at the IIG Industrial Park Katowice. For Plastal, a Swedish leading supplier of engineered plastics to the automotive industry, IIG will build an assembly facility in Swarzedz near Poznan.

Outokumpu produces a wide range of stainless steel products and grades for many industries. The IIG Industrial Park Katowice provided a perfect match with Outokumpu’s plans to service Central Europe’s increasing stainless steel demand. The park’s excellent road and rail links were of crucial importance to Outokumpu. IIG’s engineers ensured that the new facility meets Outokumpu’s exhaustive technical requirements. Outokumpu project leader Seppo Koivuniemi said: "Outokumpu is a specialist in the stainless steel, but not in industrial real estate. We have trust in IIG and we believe that they have the required experience to do this project well and in time."

Outokumpu is the IIG Industrial Park Katowice’s first client. With its 14,200 sq. m facility on a 53,000 sq. m plot, the Finnish based stainless steel manufacturer will take about one third of the park’s total surface. “Outokumpu’s decision to settle at the park confirms our parks strategy,” says Marek Kosielski, General Manager for IIG Poland. “With 18 parks in various development phases throughout mainly Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, IIG presents its potential clients with the best available industrial parks coverage. Industrial parks are ideal solution for clients that insist on the shortest possible time-to-market without compromising on built standards and quality.” In line with IIG’s philosophy, facilities at IIG industrial parks are of the same tailor-made standards as at stand alone sites.

Plastal supplies bumper systems and other plastic components to automotive clients including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Maybach, Mercedes, Porsche, Saab, Scania and Volvo. At the new 10,000 sq. m facility, Plastal will produce large plastic components for Volkswagen, Fiat and Ford. IIG’s engineers planned an overhead crane of 35 tons that would carry extremely heavy moulds and adapted the floor strength and foundations accordingly. They also provided for additional ventilation.

Royden Morgan, Plastal’s Managing Director in Poland, stated that “following our decision to focus investment on our core business and not on real estate, we began seeking a reliable developer to support us in meeting our real estate requirements for Poznan.  And IIG presented us with the best solution on all levels. Financially and technically, it confirmed IIG’s strong professional reputation and track record. In addition, IIG succeeded in securing land at our preferred location, as the new facility is close to Plastal’s other Poznan plant and its main client, Volkswagen.”

IIG is proud to be associated with a leading automotive tier 1 supplier who insists on delivering high quality solutions to its clients. “Plastal’s demanding requirements and superior standards made us natural partners, because our own in-house engineers, logistics and industrial process consultants and financial experts always focus on delivering the best possible customized complete solution to our clients,” says Marek Kosielski, General Manager of IIG Poland. “IIG has always believed that combining its vast international expertise with its local skills and experience results in the best technical and financial solution at the best possible location.”

About Outokumpu:
Outokumpu is an international stainless steel company. Our vision is to be the undisputed number one in stainless, with success based on operational excellence.  Customers in a wide range of industries – from the process industry and industrial machinery to building, construction and electrical industry, transportation, electronics and information technology, as well as catering and households  – use our metal products, technologies and services worldwide. We are dedicated to helping our customers gain competitive advantage.

About Plastal:
Plastal is a leading supplier of engineered plastics to the European automotive industry. Plastal has strong market positions in the premium segment of the car market and the light and heavy truck markets. Plastal manufactures and surface treats interior and exterior plastic components, taking system and function responsibility. The main product area is bumper systems, which Plastal develops, manufactures and delivers in sequence to many of the world’s most demanding vehicle manufacturers. In 2006, Plastal had sales of SEK 13,500 million, 7,500 employees and 39 production facilities in 13 countries, primarily in Europe. Nordic Capital Fund V owns Plastal together with the management team.

About IIG:
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimized on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its affiliated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM).  IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 20 local offices in 17 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics, retailer and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Immo Industry Group’s engineering excellence and local expertise are key to Lenovo

Aalst (Belgium), Raleigh, NC (United States), 29 April 2008 – Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European developer of tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate, announces that it is starting up construction works at its Lenovo site in the Special Economic Zone of Legnica, south west Poland. Lenovo assigned its first European assembly facility to IIG due to its international engineering expertise and local skills.

Lenovo, the third largest global computer manufacturer, was formed as a result of the acquisition by the Chinese Lenovo Group of the IBM Personal Computing Division. In order to service Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Lenovo decided to build a computer assembly facility in Poland that included a testing and warehousing zone. IIG’s local skills and expertise played an important role in fully obtaining Polish incentives that are linked with the Legnica site’s Special Economic Zone status. Poland has 14 Special Economic Zones that offer preferential terms for production and logistics operations in order to accelerate economic growth and to encourage employment. Among others, IIG succeeded in negotiating favourable conditions with the assembly plant’s utility providers. Lenovo’s technical requirements included a comprehensive 950 kW cooling system, as the plant’s assembly and computer testing zones were calculated to generate significant amounts of heat. IIG’s engineers also planned for an electrostatic discharge floor, indispensable for computer assembly plants. The 31,000 sq. m tailor-made facility will produce about 2.4 million computers per year.

IIG is proud to be able to contribute to Lenovo’s worldsourcing strategy. “Location was a very important cost-saving issue to Lenovo and we are glad that thanks to our efforts, our client has succeeded in utilizing local incentives to the maximum”, says Marek Kosielski, General Manager of IIG Poland. “We are confident that our engineers’ state-of-the-art solution and our negotiations with utility providers will allow Lenovo to operate to the highest standards at the lowest possible costs.”

About Lenovo:
Lenovo is an innovative, international technology company formed as a result of the acquisition by the Chinese Lenovo Group of the IBM Personal Computing Division. As a global leader in the PC market, we develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge, reliable, high-quality PC products and value-added professional services that provide customers around the world with smarter ways to be productive and competitive. We base our success on our customers achieving their goals: productivity in business and enhancement of personal life.

About IIG:
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimized on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its affiliated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM).  IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 20 local offices in 17 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics, retailer and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Immo Industry Group top management becomes a pair in order to manage growth

Aalst (Belgium), 11 June 2008 – Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European logistics and industrial tailor-made real estate developer, has strengthened its top management structure to support its growth. The company has appointed Ronald Everaert as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will cooperate closely with the current CEO, Filip Schelfhout, who, in his future role as Executive Chairman, will focus on the company’s strategic planning and growth. The new top management structure will be implemented on 1 August 2008.

IIG’s strong growth necessitated the new top management structure, as it was no longer possible for Schelfhout, IIG’s current CEO, to combine IIG’s strategic planning with managing the company’s operations. With Ronald Everaert, IIG attracted a seasoned top manager who has wide experience in running strongly expanding companies. Everaert (58) joins IIG from the Belgian national telecommunications service provider Belgacom, where he served as Executive Vice President Market Development and Advisor to the President. Previously, among others, he was President and CEO of Telindus, a Belgian network integrator, and of Mercator, a medium-sized Belgian insurance company. He was board member of many reputable listed Belgian companies with international operations such as Recticel, Ter Beke, Gevaert Holding and Sioen. Everaert holds a Masters degree in Public Administration (Ghent University) and an MBA (Vlerick School of Management). He is a fellow of management programmes at IFL (Stockholm), AIM (Switzerland) and Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University, Chicago). He is a board member of the Flemish Chambers of Commerce (VOKA-VEV) and of the Flemish-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on Everaert’s appointment, Filip Schelfhout says: “I have the utmost respect for Ronald’s track record at the many listed and other companies he managed in fourteen countries. His hands-on management skills and financial expertise will play a crucial role in consolidating IIG’s growth. His appointment will allow me to focus on IIG’s strategic growth path.”

IIG CEO designate Ronald Everaert says he is not entirely new to IIG’s branch of industry: “At Mercator, real estate was a significant part of my responsibilities. I’m looking forward to working closely with Filip and other future IIG colleagues in ensuring that the company’s remarkable growth in industrial and logistics real estate in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS will further accelerate.”

About IIG
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimised on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its affiliated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM). IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 21 local offices in 18 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics, retailer and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager
stijn.depreter@iig.org

Nokian Tyres confirms Immo Industry Group’s industrial park strategy with Ukrainian project at IIG-Aladdin Group Industrial Park Kiev V

Nokia (Finland), Kiev (Ukraine), Aalst (Belgium), 26 June 2008 – The Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres has assigned Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European developer of industrial and logistics tailor-made real estate, and its Ukrainian corporate partner, Aladdin Group, with developing its distribution centre in Ukraine. By opting for the IIG-Aladdin Group Industrial Park Kiev V, Nokian Tyres confirms IIG’s industrial parks strategy in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Following the success of its Vianor tyre chain in Ukraine, Nokian Tyres needed to upgrade its presence in Ukraine with a facility that would accommodate the company’s anticipated growth. The Finnish tyre manufacturer was looking for a reputable developer who combined meeting its highest international building standards and technical requirements with strong local skills. In addition, a strategic logistics location was of the utmost importance, as Nokian Tyres prides itself in on-time deliveries to its local dealers. IIG-Aladdin Group met all of these requirements. Nokian Tyres was impressed with IIG’s reputation and portfolio and it was extremely satisfied with the location IIG and its joint venture partner Aladdin Group suggested: the IIG-Aladdin Group Industrial Park Kiev V. IIG’s engineers paid specific attention to the tyre distribution centre’s fire safety in their 11,500 sq. m facility design.

“We felt comfortable with IIG and the Aladdin Group from the start,” says Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, Nokian Tyres’ Vice-President Sales and Logistics. “We found our ideal location in the joint venture’s parks portfolio. Our solution is exactly what we expected, given IIG’s track record.”

IIG Ukraine joint General Manager Oleg Tsvetkov points out that Nokian Tyres’ decision to settle at the IIG-Aladdin Group Industrial Park Kiev V confirms IIG’s pan-European industrial parks strategy. “Parks have several advantages over standalone projects. They are particularly interesting to time-sensitive clients who are keen to reduce costs, as joint costs and services are shared by all park tenants,” Tsvetkov says.  “At the same time, our Nokian Tyres project shows that IIG’s developments at industrial parks are of the same tailor-made and high quality nature as standalone assignments,” IIG Ukraine joint General Manager Jan Decoene adds.

“Working closely with IIG, we are able to create ideal build-to-suit solutions to meet Nokian Tyres’ facility requirements,” Vadim Shapirovskiy, Aladdin Group Director-General says. “Moreover, Nokian Tyres is expanding rapidly in Ukraine. Its products are clearly in great demand and we are glad that we can help Nokian Tyres in bringing its products closer to the final consumer.”

About Nokian Tyres:
Nokian Tyres is the largest tyre manufacturer in the Nordic countries and the most profitable company in its industry world-wide. The company develops and manufactures summer and winter tyres for cars and tyres for a range of heavy machinery.  In addition, Nokian Tyres runs the Vianor tyre chain with approximately 388 outlets across Finland, Sweden, Norway, Baltic countries, Switzerland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, US and Russia. Nokian Tyres’ key strategic objective is to be a market leader as a manufacturer and distributor in premium car tyres in Russia and other CIS countries among the top suppliers of special heavy tyres. Nokian Tyres plc was founded in 1988 and it was listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange in 1995. The company’s roots go back to 1898, when Suomen Gummitehdas Oy (the Finnish rubber factory) was established. 

About Aladdin Group:
Aladdin Group Company is a leading company among the most successful and dynamic developers in the commercial real estate market in Ukraine. Aladdin Group is capable of realising office, shopping and entertainment centres and industrial and logistic facilities of any commercial format. Aladdin Group has qualified staff with a high level of knowledge and experience. The Aladdin Group team takes over control of every project stage from preliminary market research to commissioning and management. Aladdin Group’s portfolio comprises the Aladdin Shopping Mall, Kiev (2004), the Platinum Business Center, Kiev (2004), the logistics terminal "Logistic Park East 1", Brovary, Kiev Region (2007), the Maxim Office Centre, Kiev downtown and the Preobrazhenskiy Cottage Village residential project, Obukhiv county, Kiev region. Aladdin Group is currently developing three high-class logistic parks in east, west and south Kiev in compliance with the highest European standards in a joint venture with Immo Industry Group.
About IIG:

Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimised on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs. IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its associated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM).  IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 22 local offices in 18 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.




More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager, IIG
stijn.depreter@iig.org

THE SMARTEST TAILOR-MADE INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE.

Paulana entrusts Immo Industry Group with development of high tech vehicle seats assembly plant in Croatia

Aalst (Belgium), 17 July 2008 –  Paulana, the Croatian manufacturer of seats and seating modules for the automotive and aerospace industry, and Immo Industry Group (IIG), the pan-European tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate developer, agreed in Aalst, Belgium yesterday that IIG will develop a vehicle seats production facility in Croatia. The new facility’s design will enable Paulana to implement the most innovative and advanced production processes.

The facility in Nova Gradiška will have a surface area of 21,500 sq. m and includes 2,000 sq. m of offices. It will be built on a 51,000 sq. m green field location that was selected by Paulana. The plant, with an annual production capacity of one million seats, will employ 750 people. In a first phase, IIG and its associated branch Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions will analyse and optimise the plant’s production and logistics activities. This study, in cooperation with the German consultancy company I+O Industry Planning + Organization GmbH, will result in a factory master plan that will enable Paulana to produce high quality vehicle seats by using the latest available technologies that will meet Paulana’s clients’ requirements. Production processes include metal working, cold foam casting, cutting out and sewing of seat-covers and final assembly of seats. Construction is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2009.

IIG Croatia General Manager Dario Markanovic comments: “This project introduces IIG’s business concept of tailor-made industrial and logistics real estate to Croatia. With Paulana insisting on the best technologies, we are proud that we can apply our vast international expertise to this project.”

Davorin Slišurić, the Mayor of City Nova Gradiška comments: “Realization of Paulana seats production facility in Industrial park Nova Gradiška is cornerstone in further development of our town and county. We expect strong impact on every aspect of socioeconomic life, as well as improving our economic competitiveness.”

Krešimir Budinski, CEO of Paulana states: “This green field investment represents the largest investment of automotive industry in Croatia since it became independent. With this high-tech plant we are opening the new technology page of the future of vehicle seat production by innovative technologies, advanced production processes and new materials.”

About Paulana:
Paulana was established in 2005 as the limited liability company. By the end of 2007 it was restructured in the joint stock company with its headquarter in Zagreb, Vrbik 8. It has seven permanently employed persons and three external associates. The preparations have been in course for starting the production and investment in production capacities in order to be able to satisfy customer demand for seats.

The primary activities of the company are development, design, production and sale of vehicles seats and seat parts for automotive industry. The entire production program has been designed for export to the West European market.

The seats are marketed under the trademark "THRONE". The application of innovative solutions, advanced materials and own constructive solutions made possible to create the product having with its comparative advantages the large strategic advantage before its competition.

Contact: pr@paulana.com

About IIG:
Immo Industry Group (IIG) is a pan-European leader in smart, tailor-made industrial real estate, both as standalone projects and in industrial parks. By applying its vast expertise in logistics and industrial processes to client specific requirements, IIG develops cost-optimised on- and off-balance real estate solutions that reduce initial investment and operational costs.

IIG fully controls all aspects of its projects through its strong team of highly experienced engineers and its associated branches: in-house industrial process and logistics consulting through Immo Industry Logistics and Process Solutions (IILPS), the construction phase through Immo Industry Contracting (IIC) and facility support throughout the building’s operational lifespan with Immo Industry Facility and Property Management (IIFPM). 

IIG presents unrivalled parks coverage with 18 industrial parks in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in various development phases. By combining its vast, in-house international experience with the know-how of its 23 local offices in 18 countries, IIG succeeds in implementing the highest international standards in the shortest possible time. In Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia, IIG operates joint ventures with the Rostik Group (ImmoRosIndustry), with the Aladdin Group and with the J&T Real Estate Group respectively. IIG’s track record of more than 100 standalone facilities and industrial parks projects for leading logistics and industrial clients is living evidence of IIG’s great expertise.

More information:
Stijn De Preter, Press Manager, IIG
stijn.depreter@iig.org