Servicing national supermarket chains, IFCO, the world’s leading supplier of reusable packaging containers, was looking to expand its presence in the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, to take advantage of its prime location in the Midlands. 

Requiring a substantial space to carry out its operations, a large 328,305 sq. ft. unit, DC10, at Prologis Park Coventry was identified as meeting their needs. As trusted partners, we worked with IFCO to deliver a full refurbishment programme, creating a space ready for the business to move to and grow.

Refurbishment v. Rebuild

DC10’s refurbishment posed a unique set of challenges, overcome through our sector experience and the strength of our team of collaborators. Previously home to a manufacturing customer for over 20 years, the large unit was left in poor repair, adding additional challenges to navigate, including factoring remedial works into the timeline.

Originally built in 2002, the unit could have faced demolition. However, in line with both parties’ long-term commitment to sustainability, our decision to refurbish prevented embodied carbon emissions that would have occurred as a result of demolition and re-construction.

Our solution: achieving Prologis’ market leading standard

To achieve a safe and modern unit that met IFCO’s needs, we mobilised our expert team of property consultants, planners and contractors to make sure the unit was brought up to the high-quality standards expected of Prologis.

Delivered in seven months, we undertook an extensive internal and external refurbishment, including the replacement of lighting, floor repairs, installation of enhanced fire safety measures and a complete mechanical and engineering refit – showcasing our experience delivering technical, large-scale refurbishments for customers.

With our goal to make our second-generation buildings present and perform like our new buildings, the building was scrutinised for improvement. As a result of the vast refurbishment, the unit’s EPC rating increased from EPC E to A rating, with the unit now all electric and highly insulated.

Together with IFCO, we worked in parallel with numerous parties, including the main contractor, consultants, agents, and engineers to ensure the project ran smoothly: this collaborative approach meant communication was at the top of the agenda throughout the process. All parties engaged in bi-weekly meetings to keep the project timeline on track, making sure any customer concerns were addressed, and all relevant knowledge was shared.

An outcome built to last 

As a long-term logistics property owner, it’s in our interest to make sure our portfolio always leads the market; providing our customers with the best possible product and ensuring that our units are built to last and retain their value – even the refurbished ones no matter the size.

With the 328,305 sq. ft. unit ready for IFCO to fit out and commence operations, the building is a shining example of both our refurbishment capabilities, and our work as a trusted partner. 

Darren Smail, Head of Service Centre Operations UK at IFCO, said: “From start to finish, Prologis UK ensured that the whole process was as seamless as possible. With an industry-leading chain of partners, we were supported with the best possible knowledge, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility. 

“With a shared commitment to sustainability, we knew Prologis UK was the right choice. Not only is the location perfect for reaching businesses across the country, but the environmental impact of every element of the renovation was considered, making the project as sustainable as possible.”