HIH Invest secures future ZF manufacturing site in Niederzissen

HIH Invest Real Estate has announced the acquisition of the future manufacturing site for automotive supplier ZF in Niederzissen, Rhineland-Palatinate. The deal, conducted on behalf of an institutional investor’s open-ended special fund, marks a significant addition to HIH Invest’s portfolio.

Situated on a 20,450-square-metre plot on Im Stiefelfeld street, the development will deliver a total lettable area of 15,634 square metres. The space will include 11,494 square metres dedicated to manufacturing and warehousing, 1,654 square metres for offices and staff rooms, and 2,486 square metres of outdoor areas. Additionally, the site will feature 148 car parking spaces and pre-installed infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. Completion of the facility is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.

The building will incorporate advanced sustainability features, including a heat pump and rooftop photovoltaic system, enabling carbon-neutral operations. The property is also on track to receive the “Gold” certification from the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), reflecting its high environmental standards.

ZF will be the sole tenant of the facility. The company is relocating from Ahrweiler, where its previous site was severely impacted by the July 2021 floods. At the new site, ZF will produce damping technology valves, solidifying its commitment to advanced manufacturing.

While structured as a logistics facility, the design’s versatility allows for easy repurposing if needed. “With ZF as a long-term tenant investing heavily in its new location, the facility is well-positioned for the future,” said Maximilian Tappert, Head of Transaction Management Logistics at HIH Invest. “Its classic floor plan and robust delivery access make it adaptable for potential logistics use, should the need arise.”

The site’s location in the Brohltal Ost industrial zone, adjacent to the A61 motorway, offers excellent connectivity. Situated in the Ahrweiler district, it straddles the southern boundary of the Cologne-Bonn logistics region, home to Germany’s second-largest air cargo hub. The site also benefits from proximity to critical transport routes across the Rhine.

David Sanders, Head of Fund Management Multi Manager Business at HIH Invest, emphasized the significance of the acquisition. “This transaction showcases our ability to identify high-quality opportunities even in challenging market conditions. The property not only meets our rigorous ESG criteria but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable investment and long-term value creation.”

Legal and tax advisory services for the acquisition were provided by Frankfurt-based law firm Ashurst. Technical and ESG due diligence were conducted by Case Real Estate, ensuring compliance with both operational and environmental standards.

With its modern design, strategic location, and commitment to sustainability, the ZF manufacturing site is poised to become a benchmark for industrial and logistics facilities in the region.