Case Study: Knight Frank and Schaeffler Group collaboration

Client

Schaeffler Group – a global leader in motion technology, driving innovative solutions to make mobility more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable for over 75 years. The company provides advanced technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, low CO₂-emission drives, chassis solutions, and renewable energy, covering the entire product lifecycle.

Schaeffler’s portfolio includes eight product families, ranging from bearing solutions and linear guidance systems to repair and monitoring services. With approximately 120,000 employees across more than 250 locations in 55 countries, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and ranks among Germany’s most innovative enterprises.

Business Context

Schaeffler’s rapid growth in Central and Eastern Europe, along with its supply chain transformation, required strengthening its local operational presence. To address these needs, the company decided to establish a Regional Distribution and Kitting Center, enabling more efficient service for regional markets.

The new facility, located in Prologis Park Ujazd in Opolskie Voivodeship, Poland, aims to shorten supply chains, increase product availability, and further strengthen Schaeffler’s position as a key technology partner in the region. This project is a strategic component of the company’s long-term growth plan, ensuring scalable operations and optimal alignment of logistics infrastructure with the needs of Eastern and Southeastern European markets.

Project Objectives

• Select the optimal country and site for the new distribution center
• Deliver a build-to-suit (BTS) facility fully tailored to Schaeffler’s operational requirements
• Complete the investment according to an ambitious timeline
• Support long-term strategic goals, including operational efficiency and sustainability

Knight Frank Advisory Scope

Knight Frank provided end-to-end strategic and transactional support, including:

• Multi-stage country and site selection analysis
• Comparison of four Central and Eastern European countries for business and logistics potential
• Workforce availability and cost analysis
• Assessment of transport infrastructure and the logistics ecosystem
• Guidance in selecting the specific warehouse project
• Contract negotiation and support in executing the BTS project

Process and Solution

After selecting Poland as the most competitive location, Knight Frank focused on evaluating specific regions. Key factors included access to talent, proximity to major transport routes, and intermodal infrastructure.

The town of Ujazd was chosen, which, although administratively part of Opolskie Voivodeship, functions commercially as part of the Silesian metropolitan area. The location offers:

• Close access to A4 and A1 motorways
• Connectivity to five intermodal terminals in Silesia
• A well-developed regional logistics and industrial ecosystem

Given the tight construction schedule, only projects with building permits were recommended. The client selected the Prologis BTS facility from among several competitive offers.

Project Features

• Total area: over 63,000 sqm
• Functions: modern warehouse space, kitting area, and office space
• Facility designed according to Schaeffler’s precise operational requirements
• High standards for workplace environment and sustainability incorporated

Project Outcomes

• Selection of a location offering optimal conditions for further growth in the CEE region
• Creation of a distribution center supporting Schaeffler’s supply chain transformation
• Improved operational efficiency and customer service capabilities
• Project executed in line with an ambitious schedule and long-term strategic objectives

Knight Frank Added Value

This project demonstrates Knight Frank’s expertise in strategic advisory for international industrial and logistics clients. Combining macroeconomic analysis, local market insights, and transactional experience enabled the team to deliver a solution perfectly aligned with Schaeffler’s business goals.

Knight Frank teams from Poland (industrial & logistics, EMEA strategic advisory, and market research) and Germany collaborated closely with Schaeffler and Prologis throughout the project.

For any additional questions, please feel free to contact our expert who coordinated the entire process:

Natalia Mika
Senior Negotiator
Mobile: +48 735 822 042
E-mail: natalia.mika@pl.knightfrank.com