J-REP expands partnership with Nippon Express in Japan and develops 33,000 sqm logistics solution

TOKYO, Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- J-REP, a specialist provider of Japanese logistics solutions, majority owned by Macquarie Goodman Japan Pte Ltd, today announces that it has commenced the refurbishment of an existing 15,586 sqm warehouse and construction of a new 17,523 sqm logistics facility for Nippon Express in Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan ("J-REP Logistation Moriya").

J-REP Logistation Moriya – Artist's Impression

J-REP is refurbishing an existing warehouse and developing a new purpose-built warehouse for Nippon Express, a leading Japanese logistics service provider, in response to their specific business and logistics requirements. The facility will be used by Nippon Express as their integrated document storage centre servicing the greater Tokyo region. To celebrate the commencement of construction a ground-breaking ceremony was held on site.

J-REP Logistation Moriya is situated in Moriya City, enabling Nippon Express to provide same day and next day services to its clients across Greater Tokyo.  It is ideally suited for use as a document logistics hub, with its location approximately 50 kilometers north-east of Tokyo on the Joban Expressway, and providing easy access to the Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures.

On completion in December 2011, J-REP Logistation Moriya will provide 33,000 sqm of high specification warehouse space.  The property will consist of two four storey reinforced concrete buildings and its purpose-built design includes high ceilings and increased floor loading to facilitate the efficient storage of paper documents. The facility will also be equipped with a nitrogen fire extinguisher system having regard to the specialised cargo inside the warehouse, and perimeter fencing to ensure the high-level security of the site.

Commenting on the ground breaking ceremony, Makoto Kurihara, J-REP Director in charge of Investment and Development said: "We are delighted to have partnered again with a prestigious customer such as Nippon Express. We wanted also to celebrate the fast and efficient work of our general contractor Hazama Corporation and the excellent support and design services provided by Asai Ken Architectural Research Inc."

J-REP CEO and Representative Director, Paul McGarry commented: "The commencement of this project marks the restart of our development activities in Japan. This is an important project for our Japan business which has been realised due to the excellent skills and experience of our local team coupled with equity capital provided by Macquarie, Goodman and a special purpose vehicle established by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund). In addition to this project we are currently assessing a number of other development opportunities which we expect will result in further new project announcements being made." 

About J-REP (TSE: 8992)

Please visit: www.jrep.co.jp

About Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Please visit: www.goodman.com

About Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG)

Please visit: www.macquarie.com