Increasing Investments in Logistics Sector in Western Thessaloniki
Investments in the logistics sector in western Thessaloniki are continuously on the rise, with both Greek and international companies taking the lead. A significant catalyst for further development in logistics within the region over the next two years will be the tender for the former Gonos military camp and the expansion of the 6th pier at the Port of Thessaloniki.
Raben Group’s New Logistics Center
The Raben Group is moving forward with a €10 million investment to construct a zero-emission Logistics Center in Thessaloniki, aiming to expand its portfolio in contract logistics, internal transport, and temperature-controlled food logistics. This development seeks to further lead the growth of the logistics sector in the country.
According to recent announcements, the Logistics Center will be built on a 50-acre plot owned by the group and will be constructed in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and includes the creation of a cross-dock warehouse of 4,000 square meters with 40 loading/unloading ramps and a refrigerated chamber for food, as well as the construction of 700 square meters of office space.
New Distribution Center for ELASTRAK
Recently, the new Distribution and Storage Center for tires of ELASTRAK, a member of the ELTRAK Group, was inaugurated on a privately-owned site in western Thessaloniki, in the presence of representatives from the parent company, CP Holdings. During the inauguration, the company showcased the new Webfleet telematics program, developed by Bridgestone, through a live demonstration to its partners. In April of this year, ELASTRAK took on the exclusive representation of Webfleet and also initiated a new collaboration for the import and marketing of MRF Tyres, the largest tire manufacturer in India.
Streem Global’s Logistics Facility Acquisition
In January, it was announced that Streem Global AE, a member of the American HIG Capital Group, acquired a modern logistics facility in the Sindos Industrial Zone, covering 33,000 square meters on a 60,000 square meter plot near Kalohori, the second-largest industrial hub in the region. This strategically located site is adjacent to the Athens-Thessaloniki highway and is 12 kilometers from the Port of Thessaloniki. Notably, there is railway infrastructure within the facility that connects to the national railway network, enabling cargo transport by train to central Europe. This move is part of Streem Global’s broader plan to create a robust group of companies that will provide comprehensive logistics services in Greece and the broader Southeast European region.
Proposed Business Park for Logistics
Under the initiative of the mayor of Ampelokipoi Menemeni and president of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), Lazaros Kyrioglu, the municipality is running a competition for the development of a study concerning the establishment of a Business Park focused on logistics. This business park will cover an area of 90 acres and is located along the Thessaloniki-Kalohori provincial road in the Menemeni area. The site, which has been allocated to the Ampelokipoi-Menemeni municipality by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), is near the roadway leading to the Port of Thessaloniki.
Future Developments
In the second half of 2024, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) is expected to announce a tender for the “EKEΘE,” a project aimed at creating a modern Cargo Center on the former Gonos military camp, covering an area of 672 acres with an investment exceeding €150 million. It is anticipated that there will be substantial investment interest from the UAE and/or Saudi Arabia, with the possibility of interest also coming from the aforementioned American HIG Capital, which has also acquired a majority stake in Makios SA.
Development of the “Balkan Export” Industrial Property in Northern Greece
DIMAND has initiated plans for the development of the inactive industrial property of “Balkan Export” located at the 15th kilometer of the Thessaloniki-Edessa road, which will become the largest logistics hub in Northern Greece. The estimated gross development value of the project upon completion is expected to reach approximately 160 million euros. The construction is planned to occur in two phases, covering a total area of around 120,000 square meters within a timeline of 30 months.
Impact on the Logistics Sector
The upcoming expansion of the 6th pier at the Thessaloniki Port Authority (OLTH) is set to bring significant transformation and growth to the logistics sector in Northern Greece. As a major portion of trade is conducted via maritime routes, the upgraded pier will greatly enhance container handling capacity, thereby transforming both the port of Thessaloniki and the entire city.
