ECE and Thalia Collaborate on Cutting-Edge Facility in Marl Business Park

ECE and Thalia Collaborate on Cutting-Edge Facility in Marl Business Park

(IN BRIEF) ECE and Thalia are collaborating on a EUR 100 million project to create an innovative commercial and production site in Marl. Thalia, a leading German omni-channel bookseller, aims to expand its capabilities through this venture, which will involve various processes and generate up to 1,000 jobs. The facility will serve as Thalia’s central hub for supplying bookstores and managing online orders. It will feature modern warehouses, offices, and a strong focus on sustainability, including green features and electric vehicle charging points. Construction is set to begin in spring 2024, with commissioning expected in the second half of 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 11-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — ECE Group GmbH & Co. KG, a real estate development company, is partnering with the omni-channel bookseller Thalia to develop a groundbreaking commercial and production site in the emerging gate.ruhr business park in Marl. Construction is set to commence in the spring of 2024, with plans for commissioning in the second half of 2025. This ambitious project carries a substantial investment volume of approximately EUR 100 million.

“We are proud to have been able to win such a prominent investor for our city. In this context, my thanks also go to the state and district governments for their support, and especially to our business development department, which has repeatedly held intensive talks over the years,” says Mayor Werner Arndt.

Economic and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur commented: “Trade and logistics are important economic factors in North Rhine-Westphalia. With the construction of the modern and sustainable production and logistics center in Marl, Thalia is breaking new and innovative ground. As the state government, we were happy to actively support this investment, because it is a great sign for our business location, particularly in economically challenging times. The new site in Marl will certainly provide impetus and further support the transformation in the region.”

Thalia has experienced significant growth in recent years by advancing its omni-channel business model, solidifying its position as the German bookselling sector’s market leader. With the establishment of a new omni-channel hub in Marl, Thalia aims to further enhance its capabilities. The project will encompass a diverse range of uses and processes, spanning from goods selection to the integration of cutting-edge production technologies, implemented in various phases.

“The settlement shows the attractiveness of the concept with which gate.ruhr was able to convince. Thus, we are also confident that we will be able to attract further potent partners and companies for other areas,” explains economic promoter Dr. Manfred Gehrke.

To support these endeavors, a state-of-the-art commercial and production facility spanning approximately 56,000 m² will be constructed within the industrial park. This development is expected to generate attractive, high-quality job opportunities for up to 1,000 employees during the site’s full expansion phase. Furthermore, Thalia is planning apprenticeship programs across various professions and entry-level positions for dual students.

“We have not yet overcome the consequences of structural change. Therefore, this settlement is an important milestone, also with a view to the development of further, future-proof economic competence in Marl with new jobs and apprenticeships for local people,” Werner Arndt continued.

“The funding of 17 million euros, which was approved at the time by the Münster district government, was an investment in the future of the region. The fact that this investment is paying off is now demonstrated by the settlement of such prominent companies. Not only Marl, but the entire Emscher-Lippe region will be able to benefit from this,” emphasizes District President Andreas Bothe.

“As a partner in the gate.ruhr GmbH project company, we welcome this settlement project as an important contribution to structural change,” says Thomas Middelmann, Area Development Manager at RAG Montan Immobilien.

The facility will serve as Thalia’s central hub for supplying its bookstores across Germany and managing online order deliveries.

“The settlement at the gate.ruhr site is also a big step towards the future for us,” emphasizes Marco Rebohm, Managing Director Logistics & Supply Chain at Thalia. “That’s why we will realize a comprehensive innovation site in Marl with integrated fulfillment services as well as state-of-the-art printing automation.”

The envisioned commercial property will be segmented into several top-tier warehouse spaces and an impressive multi-story office building. Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 employees in the final expansion phase, it will offer contemporary workspaces and office environments, an in-house cafeteria, and extensive, well-appointed communal areas.

In addition to technological innovations, Thalia in Marl is dedicated to ecological considerations, emphasizing modern, resource-efficient construction methods and a strong commitment to sustainability during operation. The property will adhere to the highest sustainability standards, featuring numerous electric vehicle charging points for both cars and bicycles, green roofs and facades, and reliance on renewable energy sources in its construction.

Media contact:

LUKAS NEMELA
Press spokesman
Tel.: 040 60606 6898
presse(at)ece.com

SOURCE: ECE Group GmbH & Co. KG