Honda

Honda’s Easy Transition to New ProLogis Distribution Facility

In September 2005, Honda Logistics UK was based in an old converted factory in Swindon and planning to move to new premises in the town.  ProLogis learned of Honda’s requirement while in the process of buying 42 acres of land at South Marston, an established commercial location to the North West of Swindon.  Only five miles from Junction 15 of the M4 – and next door to Honda’s own giant manufacturing plant producing the new Honda Civic –South Marston would be Honda’s ideal location.

Armed with a detailed understanding of Honda’s needs, ProLogis explained its way of working and ability to deliver before the crucial lease break of April 2006. The ProLogis team demonstrated how it could incorporate fit-out into the package and still provide substantial savings to Honda.

Crucial lease break

Working together on the specification for the pre-let, ProLogis and Honda developed a design which would enhance the functions of office and warehouse, helping to make Honda’s logistics operations far more efficient.  ProLogis then worked with award-winning architect Michael Sparks Associates to gain planning permissions and design and deliver a bespoke 350,000 sq ft (32,516 sq m) distribution warehouse, before Honda’s crucial lease break of April 2006. 

The resulting building responds to the aims of Honda Logistics UK.  The company sought a design which would project the division’s status within the group and display the Honda brand in a dynamic application of the corporate livery.

The external design reflects its use as Honda’s state-of-the-art distribution center.  Elevations use crisp detailing, creating a natural rhythm with the alternate use of different profiles and colors of external cladding. 

The warehouse incorporates 21,000 sq ft (1951 sq m) of offices on three stories.  Amenity areas include a canteen, a fully-equipped kitchen, showers, lockers and administrative accommodation.  In addition, Honda required a mezzanine space of 23,400 sq ft (2,175 sq m) inside the warehouse, along with dispatch offices and extensive plant areas. ProLogis arranged all the fit-out, including gas-fired ambient heaters and racking along with an area of strengthened slab to accommodate future racking.  The building is fully sprinklered. 

Smooth transition

The layout of the site and the orientation of the building are ideally arranged for the smooth and efficient operation of a major logistics facility. Offices are positioned to allow adequate supervision of the service area, while a service road provides 360-degree circulation.  Particular attention was paid both to the intensive demands of heavy vehicles and to security.

In January 2006, Honda began a smooth transition into its new home.  ProLogis was able to meet Honda’s precise requirements in a timeframe of just ten months.  Honda Logistics UK now uses ProLogis’ state-of-the-art facility to supply car parts, motorbikes and power equipment nationwide.