Thalia develops an innovative omni-channel hub together with ECE

• Construction of an approximately 56,000 m² state-of-the-art commercial and production property.
• Groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for spring 2024, commissioning is planned for the second half of 2025.
• Creation of up to 1,000 new jobs in the full expansion phase.

Together with the omni-channel bookseller Thalia, ECE is planning the development and realization of an innovative commercial and production site in the newly developing gate.ruhr business park in Marl. Construction is scheduled to start in the spring of 2024, with commissioning planned for the second half of 2025. The investment volume totals around EUR 100 million. "We are proud to have been able to win such a prominent investor for our city. In this context, my thanks also go to the state and district governments for their support, and especially to our business development department, which has repeatedly held intensive talks over the years," says Mayor Werner Arndt.

Economic and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur commented: "Trade and logistics are important economic factors in North Rhine-Westphalia. With the construction of the modern and sustainable production and logistics center in Marl, Thalia is breaking new and innovative ground. As the state government, we were happy to actively support this investment, because it is a great sign for our business location, particularly in economically challenging times. The new site in Marl will certainly provide impetus and further support the transformation in the region."

Thalia has grown strongly in recent years by further developing its omni-channel business model and is now the market leader in the German bookselling sector. With the new omni-channel hub in Marl, the company intends to further expand its capabilities. A variety of different uses and processes ranging from goods picking to innovative production technologies will therefore be realized in several development stages.

"The settlement shows the attractiveness of the concept with which gate.ruhr was able to convince. Thus, we are also confident that we will be able to attract further potent partners and companies for other areas," explains economic promoter Dr. Manfred Gehrke.

To this end, an approximately 56,000 m² state-of-the-art commercial and production property is to be built in the industrial park, offering attractive, qualified jobs for a total of up to 1,000 employees in the full expansion phase of the site. Likewise, apprenticeships in various professions as well as entry-level opportunities for dual students are in planning stage. "We have not yet overcome the consequences of structural change. Therefore, this settlement is an important milestone, also with a view to the development of further, future-proof economic competence in Marl with new jobs and apprenticeships for local people," Werner Arndt continued.

"The funding of 17 million euros, which was approved at the time by the Münster district government, was an investment in the future of the region. The fact that this investment is paying off is now demonstrated by the settlement of such prominent companies. Not only Marl, but the entire Emscher-Lippe region will be able to benefit from this," emphasizes District President Andreas Bothe.

"As a partner in the gate.ruhr GmbH project company, we welcome this settlement project as an important contribution to structural change," says Thomas Middelmann, Area Development Manager at RAG Montan Immobilien.

Focus on the latest standards in technology and sustainability

"The settlement at the gate.ruhr site is also a big step towards the future for us," emphasizes Marco Rebohm, Managing Director Logistics & Supply Chain at Thalia. "That's why we will realize a comprehensive innovation site in Marl with integrated fulfillment services as well as state-of-the-art printing automation." From here, the company will in future supply its bookshops throughout Germany and also handle the delivery of online orders.

The planned commercial property will be divided into several high-quality hall areas and a prestigious multi-storey office building. For up to 1,000 employees in the final stage of development, it will offer modern workplaces and office environments, its own canteen, and extensive and generously designed social areas.

In addition to technical innovations, Thalia in Marl also focuses on ecological aspects and therefore places modern and resource-saving construction methods as well as the highest demands on sustainability during operation in the foreground. The property meets the highest sustainability standards and will offer numerous e-charging points for cars and bicycles, have green roofs and facades, and be built using renewable energy sources.