New Panattoni Slovakia Regional Development Director sets focus on growth and sustainability
As the newly appointed Regional Development Director at Panattoni Slovakia, Marian Fridrich is stepping into a role centered on expanding Panattoni’s footprint in Slovakia and continuing the progress the company has made over the past five years. “My main objective is to build on the strong foundation Panattoni has established, driving growth by securing new locations and attracting tenants to our projects,” Marian Fridrich shared. Under his leadership, Panattoni aims to cement its reputation in Slovakia’s industrial real estate market by leveraging its unique business model, designed to deliver both profitable and sustainable growth.
Two of Panattoni’s high-profile projects, Panattoni Bratislava North I & II, are key priorities for Marian Fridrich and the team. “These projects are a significant focus for us due to existing leases and our commitment to completing construction for our tenants,” he explained. By securing strong tenant relationships and delivering state-of-the-art facilities, Panattoni is positioning itself as a preferred developer in the region.
In the face of rapid industry changes, Marian Fridrich emphasizes staying ahead by closely monitoring market trends such as carbon neutrality, shifts in automotive technology, and evolving retail and e-commerce demands. “Being well-informed is crucial. We’re constantly tracking trends, from electrification in automotive to last-mile delivery solutions. While I won’t give away all our strategies, keeping pace with these shifts is key to staying competitive,” he noted.
Sustainability and innovation, Marian Fridrich believes, are inseparable components of Panattoni’s approach. He explains, “These two go hand in hand, driving us not just to be profitable but also to be responsible developers. Our strategy embraces both, aligning with global carbon neutrality goals while focusing on the future generation’s needs.” This commitment positions Panattoni as a leader not only in development but also in environmental responsibility.
Reflecting on the challenges in the Slovak logistics market,Marian Fridrich points to the complexities in local permitting processes, which can impact developers’ flexibility. “The market’s elasticity is limited by permitting practices, making it difficult to respond swiftly to demand. Additionally, workforce availability is a growing concern as the industry expands,” he said, highlighting the need for adaptable and forward-thinking strategies in a challenging landscape.
Looking ahead, Marian Fridrich envisions steady growth for the Slovak logistics market over the next three to five years. “While it’s hard to predict, if we see a revitalization effort in Ukraine, Slovakia could play a vital role in supporting logistics needs for that reconstruction,” he added, underscoring Slovakia’s potential to become a regional logistics hub in times of geopolitical change.
With a focus on sustainable growth, strategic expansion, and market resilience, Marian Fridrich aims to lead Panattoni Slovakia into a future that balances business success with environmental and social responsibility.
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