Third phase of expansion

Originally 80,000 m², P3 Bratislava D2 park has now almost tripled in size to 215,000 m². The third phase of its expansion comprises 62,000 m², almost all of which is already leased. Completing the third phase with a building for PTG, which has been providing wheels to cars for more than half a century, highlights the park’s success as location for major players in the automotive sector. PTG is part of the Dutch family-run PON Holdings and solely owned by Mr. Wijnand Pon.

Strong automotive focus

The building for PTG brings another important supplier to the automotive industry to P3 Bratislava D2 park, complementing existing customers Faurecia, HBPO and Panasonic. In addition, P3 has a strong automotive client base in Germany, where it recently completed a warehouse for PSA Peugeot Citroen.

PTG will employ 110 people at P3 Bratislava D2 and, from May 2017, will supply its products to Volkswagen for use in its popular SUVs. Cars such as the VW Touareg, Audi Q7 and Q8 as well as the Porsche Cayenne will use wheels mounted and calibrated by PTG Slovakia.

"The timing of the project was absolutely crucial, driven by negotiations between PTG Slovakia and the VW Group," says Peter Jánoši, P3’s Country Head in Slovakia, adding: "Being selected for the contract on all SUVs produced in the VW factory hinged on being able to bring this project forward quickly, which we were able to do because we had already secured the necessary building permit. The PTG building will provide a total of 16,490 m² including warehousing, production space and 475 m² of offices. As the project started in good time, we were able to work with PTG as a partner and customer to conclude all the potential issues and aspects of the build to everyone’s satisfaction.

“This is our third building under construction in P3 Bratislava D2. We now have a total of 12 warehouses under construction across the nine European countries in which we are active.”

Innovative bespoke design features

The design of PTG Slovakia’s warehouse includes several features being launched for the first time. For example, a special tunnel to allow quicker loading and unloading in a controlled environment is being built specifically to the customer’s requirements. The tunnel will be closed to maintain a constant temperature and cleanliness. "We expanded the range of uses for this tunnel and adapted the building to suit our clients,” said Roman Setvák, P3’s Head of Construction in Slovakia, adding: "PTG’s second requirement - floors that are absolutely level - is established as a standard for P3. Ultra level floors are particularly important for PTG because of the precision calibration and setting of tyres."

PTG’s new warehouse will contain a fully automated assembly line system on which entire wheels will be completed, including discs and tyres. Part of the space will be dedicated to storage, increasing the floor loading, which had to be taken into account when designing the building. In keeping with the modern nature of the building, it will also include sensors for water-saving, two-stage water flushing, its own transformer for a backup diesel generator and insulated cladding according to EU standards.

Completion of PTG’s new facility is scheduled for February 2017.