Jeroen Biermans, WDP: Expertise and flexibility for top industrial and logistics facilities

Last year, WDP, the second largest player on the industrial real estate market, reached a milestone by securing a 25% market share in Romania. We sat down with Country Manager Jeroen Biermans to discuss the economic outlook as well as the challenges and opportunities the sector might face in the coming years.

WDP is known for transforming the supply chain with smart warehouses. What can you tell us about this approach?

As a developer specialized in built-to-suit facilities, we are always thinking along with our clients about how our building can support their processes in the most efficient manner. Our team has a vast experience in complex projects, as we deliver custom solutions for our clients, with facilities that are fully tailored to their operational and technical requirements. We have a lot of experience to share regarding what is possible in terms of building layout, always bearing in mind the needs of our clients. We build smart warehouses if our tenants’ businesses require it, and we support them in implementing the most relevant technical solutions. For example, technical solutions are becoming increasingly important when it comes to security, energy monitoring and energy saving, as well as maintenance. They significantly increase efficiency, speed, and transparency. As for automation, more and more clients are using robots or automated belts to transport goods within their warehouses.

Tell us more about your company’s recent development. What key projects have you been involved in over the past few years?

We’ve seen continued development of the company both through acquisitions (notable examples are the acquisition of the Globalworth/Global Vision portfolio consisting of three sites of strategic importance, near Constanţa, in Bucharest, and in Târgu Mureș, and the acquisition of Expo Market Doraly)as well as through organic growth, such as a built-to-suit warehouse for METRO in WDP Park Bucharest – Ștefănești II, or one for Maravet—a Covetrus company—in Cicârlău, near Baia Mare. We’ve now reached a total GLA of over 2 million square metres in Romania, offering our clients property solutions on a truly nationwide level.

What is the added value of such projects for the local logistics market?

Since built-to-suit projects require major investments from the client’s side and take a longer time to complete, they reflect companies’ long-term commitments to the local market. On one hand by creating jobs, and on the other by bringing tax revenues and investments in the local economy.

What are some new projects in your pipeline?

We have several new projects under development, as well as a number of confidential projects in our pipeline. We recently started work on two major projects: at WDP Park Bucharest – Ștefănești we are developing a 54,000 sqm distribution hub for Dutch retailer Action, with the possibility of a further 20,000 sqm extension. The investment is supported by a triple-net contract for a minimum of 15 years. At WDP Park Bucharest – Dragomirești, we will build a 47,000 sqm temperature-controlled, EDGE Advanced certified warehouse for Aquila, equipped with cold rooms and freezers. Construction will be completed in 2026, and the location offers an additional 16,000 sqm for future developments. These projects will significantly expand WDP’s footprint in Bucharest, meeting the demands of retail and logistics customers with modern and sustainable infrastructure.

In your opinion, what differentiates WDP from other logistics players in Romania?

We are a build-to-suit developer, which encapsulates our client-centered approach. We are flexible in meeting our clients’ needs, we follow them in terms of location, and we do our best to respond to their building requirements in line with their operational needs.

Our team of experts works alongside our tenants to find the best solutions for their businesses, which is crucial in our sector. It is the way a company can distinguish itself in front of clients and how it builds not just a warehouse or factory, but a strong, long-term relationship. Our tenants’ success is our success, and supporting them in meeting their targets by offering the best solutions for their needs is key to building loyalty.

What are WDP’s plans for the years to come?

Our main objective is to continue growing in a sustainable and profitable manner, consolidating Romania’s position as a strategic market in the WDP portfolio. We are focusing on capitalising on the land we already own, but also on developing new projects where there is demand from tenants and companies seeking to expand their operations in Romania. At the same time, we remain open to acquisition opportunities when we identify properties that offer an attractive risk-return profile and align with our long-term vision. Romania is a market with significant potential, and WDP’s long-term strategy is to invest consistently in modern and sustainable properties, strengthen existing partnerships, and attract new (inter)national customers.

How do you expect the local market to evolve in the next years?

Last year the market remained cautious, in line with the macroeconomic context. However, the medium- and long-term outlook is positive. Romania continues to be attractive for logistics and manufacturing investments due to its geographical position, competitive workforce, and continuously improving infrastructure, which is indispensable for supply chains.

What will be the key challenges and the opportunities for this sector in Romania?

The market is influenced by external, geopolitical and macroeconomic factors (such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the tariffs imposed by various countries) as well as by internal ones, like the political uncertainty and the fiscal and legislative instability it generates. However, we need to put it in perspective. It is good that Romania is addressing its budget deficit, as predictability is greatly valued by investors, and so we hope that after the recent turbulence, the country will return to its track record of fiscal stability. Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to pose a challenge. But if it finally ends, that will also bring opportunities for the economy, because rebuilding Ukraine will be a chance for different businesses to grow, and the continuously improving infrastructure and the highways which are now being built will be of key importance.

To conclude, although the pace of economic growth has been rather moderate recently, the sector’s fundamentals remain solid. We are seeing continued interest in built-to-suit buildings and spaces in well-connected industrial parks. In this context, WDP continues to invest in new projects, leverage the land in its portfolio, and develop long-term partnerships with its tenants.