Major logistics player takes 45,000 sq ft in Castle Donington

A massive global logistics concern has taken the lease on a 45,000 sq ft unit at Willow Farm Industrial Estate in Castle Donington.

Nippon Express – one of the top five logistics providers in the world – has enjoyed a presence in the Leicestershire market town for 15 years, but now looks set to significantly extent its footprint in the area after agreeing to let the speculatively built unit at Junction 24 of the M1.

M1 Agency and FHP brokered the deal on behalf of Urban Logistics REIT (ULR).

M1 Agency’s Toby Wilson said: “It was a pleasure to deal with Nippon Express here and find them a building that complemented the company’s expansion strategy and continue their presence at Castle Donington, where they have been situated for the last 15 years. Their investment in the building will no doubt create success and new jobs in the region.”

The unit was developed for ULR by Wilson Bowden Developments.

John Barker, head of development at ULR, said: “The funding venture with Wilson Bowden Developments has worked well and they have completed the buildings to a high standard. The East Midlands element of the portfolio was recently completed and this unit has let quickly which is a testimony to the location, demand for industrial space in the area and quality of the build.”

ULR’s asset manager Fred Brustal added: “We’re pleased to welcome Nippon Express to the ULR portfolio and look forward to working with them going forward.”