German company expands to Midwest with Plainfield facility

A Germany-based logistics service provider is expanding its footprint with its first facility in the Midwest. Rhenus Warehousing Solutions is occupying 139,000-square-feet of warehouse space at the Gateway Business Park in Plainfield, though details of its investment are not being disclosed.

Rhenus says it will use the space as a multi-user fulfillment and distribution center with operations set to begin in the fourth quarter.

Ulrich Schorb, head of supply chain Americas for Rhenus, says the Midwest expansion reflects the company’s growth efforts in the Americas.

“As our client volume continues to grow, this expansion will improve and strengthen our end-to-end services,” Schorb said in written remarks. “Our investment in Indiana is an ideal strategic choice for us to amplify our portfolio of warehouse locations globally; therefore, this move will continue to enhance our rapid growth and customer demands across the country.”

The space is located inside the nearly 280,000-square-foot Gateway Industrial VI building. Chicago-based HSA Commercial Real Estate, which owns the property, says the addition of Rhenus brings the building to full capacity.

“This lease is a significant milestone that concludes our 15-year chapter of developing and leasing out Gateway Business Park,” HSA CEO Robert Smietana said. “While we’ve certainly benefited from Indianapolis’ incredible leasing activity during this time, our success with this development also shows how expanding companies like Rhenus Logistics are gravitating to state-of-the-art facilities in prime locations with access to extensive transportation infrastructure.”

Rhenus cited the advantages of the Indianapolis area in his choice for the site, including access to highways that will allow it to reach 80% of the U.S. and Canadian populations in fewer than two days.

The company declined to say how many jobs would be added in Plainfield.