In 2020, a long-standing local metal company, which had been operating in the Limburg region of the Netherlands for 80 years, filed for bankruptcy, leaving all 61 employees without work. In response, the property developer and the investment partner quickly took the initiative to develop a new plan. Their key objectives were to restore local employment, implement a sustainable vision for the site, and enhance the area’s overall social and community environment. With a global packaging company, which operated from multiple locations in the nearby city, the plan is complete.  

The outdated factory hall, was being replaced by a state-of-the-art, sustainable business building. The new structure was developed for a global market leader in sustainable packaging solutions, so it need top notch technology, sustainability and high end finishes. At completion, the site provided employment for over 350 people again.

A Sustainable Building for a Sustainable User

The packaging company, an American firm listed on a major stock exchange, employs over 600 people worldwide and operates in North and South America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. The development features 25,000 m² of production and logistics space, 3,100 m² of office space, and a 600 m² showroom. According to the BREEAM certification method for sustainable built environments, the building is expected to earn a “very good” rating. High-end finishes include a roof equipped with solar panels, and the 8-hectare site is designed to complement its green surroundings, with additional space allocated for a potential second building.

Local Community Benefits and Broader Impact

A local official from the municipality’s Economic Affairs department commented, “I am delighted that this company, which created around 350 jobs, has chosen our region, helping to preserve its status as an attractive business area. This decision is in line with the recent trend of local business parks becoming increasingly popular with logistics service providers and the medtech sector. I am also very pleased that this location will feature a high-quality, sustainable building, ensuring that sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.”

The bankruptcy of the former local metal company had a significant impact on the community. This project and Enica Oak’s collaborative approach with all the stakeholders, perfectly align with our ambition to find capital solutions for transformative projects. Not only providing capital, but also helping to revitalize a key industrial site to set a benchmark for sustainable development and community-focused regeneration in the region.