Panattoni Europe and Goodman lay cornerstones to mark Polish fulfilment centres for Amazon.

Panattoni Europe and Goodman, in the presence of Amazon and members of local government, laid cornerstones in Wroclaw today to celebrate the development of Amazon's first Polish fulfilment centres.

Speaking at the event Timothy Collins, Director of European Operations for Amazon, said: "We are very excited to be investing here in Poland. This day signifies the beginning of a long relationship between us and the communities of Kobierzyce, Wroclaw and the Lower Silesia region. We are greatly appreciative of all the support we've received from the community to make this multi-hundred million euro investment become a reality."  

Poland's central location, proximity to key markets and strong employment base were key drivers in Amazon's decision to expand in Poland. At each fulfilment centre, Amazon plans to create up to 2,000 long-term jobs, plus an additional 3,000 seasonal jobs to cover peak demand during the holiday period.  

"We are pleased that such a major investment has been located in Lower Silesia. This will certainly contribute further to our region's development. The arrival of a new employer will have a positive impact on our local labour market," said Aleksander Skorupa, Governor of the Lower Silesian Region. 

"I am sure that Amazon's investment project situated in the proximity of Wroclaw will be mutually beneficial, as much for Amazon as for our city. Wroclaw has not only a fast developing infrastructure but it is most of all an important academic centre. Therefore well-qualified graduates will have a chance to contribute to Amazon's long-term development," Rafal Dutkiewicz, Mayor of Wroclaw. 

"We believe that our best assets: location, infrastructure and people will make Amazon's Polish project successful. This investment will be also profitable for our community, as it will create a stimulus for our local economy and will increase employment," said Tadeusz Czajka, Wojt of Kobierzyce Municipality. 

Amazon's new fulfillment centers will have a footprint of approximately 200,000 square meters altogether (approximately 13 soccer fields).

- Construction of the facility at the Goodman site located close to Wrocław in Bielany Wrocławskie, in the municipality of Kobierzyce, commenced in October 2013. The fulfilment centre is planned to be fully operational in the second half of 2014.

- Construction at the Panattoni site in Bielany Wrocławskie commenced in January this year and will be opened in October 2014. The facility is in the direct vicinity of the Nowa Wieś junction linking the motorways A4 and A8. Panattoni Europe will ensure the high standard of road infrastructure around the facility including construction of a roundabout. 

"While construction work only commenced in October 2013, our new logistics centre for Amazon is rapidly taking shape. Today's cornerstone event in Wroclaw demonstrates that our existing relationship with Amazon is based on strong foundations," said Błażej Ciesielczak, Goodman Regional Director Central & Eastern Europe.

"The distribution centres for Amazon constitute the biggest contract in the history of the real estate market in Poland and in CEE, lending more proof to the professionalism of the Panattoni team. We are proud to enjoy the confidence of Amazon, and as a developer - having US roots, too - we are happy that Panattoni in Poland contributed to expanding Panattoni US - Amazon US business relationship, not only in our country but also in Europe," said Robert Dobrzycki, Managing Partner for Panattoni Europe.