A prerequisite for the efficient execution of logistics processes is the existence and proper functioning of logistics infrastructure, including logistics centers and modern warehouse space. The current state of development of logistics centers in Poland can still be described as the “missing link in the national logistics system.” Despite many concepts and plans for the construction of logistics centers having been developed, their implementation status remains unsatisfactory. The country’s logistics infrastructure system is based on the operation of small, industry-specific logistics centers with a local reach.
The situation in the modern warehouse space market looks diametrically different. Such facilities, by providing a range of other logistics services alongside warehouse space rental, represent a serious alternative and substitute for large, internationally oriented logistics centers. The market for modern warehouse space in Poland is developing faster than in other Central and Eastern European countries. In 2007, the stock of modern warehouse space grew by 40%, and demand was 53% higher compared to 2006. In 2007, the total stock of modern warehouse space in Poland amounted to 3,818,000 sq. m. (in the fourth quarter of 2006, it was 2,722,000 sq. m.). Although the economic crisis also affected this sector of the economy, it seems that the area of investment in modern warehouse space in Poland will continue to develop.
The location of logistics and warehouse centers of the highest standard was, just 2-3 years ago, concentrated almost exclusively around Warsaw. Recently, it has also begun to expand into new regional markets, such as Lower Silesia, Lesser Poland, and Pomerania. In the Tri-City market, the main “player” in the modern warehouse space rental industry is ProLogis. The second developer, just appearing on the Tri-City market, is the Panattoni group. Another entity in the modern warehouse space rental market in Pomerania is the BIK company. It therefore seems that the logistics services market in Pomerania may, in the long term, be divided between planned logistics centers in ports and industry-specific centers and logistics parks emerging in Pomerania.
Current status of logistics center implementation in Poland
The problems of building logistics centers in Poland have been given much attention over the last dozen or so years. The result of the analytical and research studies conducted is the identification of the most desirable locations for logistics centers at the national level and the initiation of investment projects for local logistics centers. The analysis of the conducted research clearly shows that, first and foremost, logistics centers in Poland should be located in regions that generate potentially large flows of goods, both in domestic and international traffic. Six primary locations for major national logistics centers with an international dimension are indicated:
1) Masovian Voivodeship with the Warsaw agglomeration (the Mszczonów, Pruszków, or Piaseczno area), which is the main point of concentration for general cargo directed to the most important domestic and foreign senders and recipients. Pointing to this location directly results from the enormous importance of Warsaw as a hub for AGC railway lines, as well as the access of the Masovian region to the national road network,
2) Greater Poland Voivodeship with Poznań, which should also be considered a primary center for general cargo trade in domestic and international relations,
3) Silesian Voivodeship with Katowice, possessing railway connections in all directions via AGC and AGTC transport corridors. A well-developed road network in the Silesian region also plays an important role,
4) Lower Silesian Voivodeship with a center in Wrocław, which has a well-developed network of roads and railways serving domestic and international transport. Wrocław, lying on the international East-West route, undoubtedly has additional significance for the region. Thanks to its location, the Lower Silesian region has numerous border crossings and occupies an important place in international transport.
5) West Pomeranian Voivodeship with Szczecin, which is an important transport hub covering roads of all transport branches,
6) Pomeranian Voivodeship with a center in Gdańsk.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 5/2009.