Courier Mail, Friday 04 September 2020
Chris Herde
Ben Donnelly and Gavin Dunwoodie at PFI’s new headquarters at the Connexion Industrial Park in Darra.
A rapidly growing design, fabrication and engineering business will consolidate its operations under the one roof at an industrial park in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
Products for Industry (PFI) has secured an eight-year lease on a Building 4, at Pellicano’s Connexion Industrial Park at 36 Archerfield Road, Darra, after a deal struck by Donnelly & Associates’ Ben Donnelly.
The 10,513sqm older-style metal clad office/factory will be PFI’s new headqueaters and is currently undergoing a $3m plus refurbishment.
PFI managing director Gavin Dunwoodie said they will move in early next year from four nearby buildings and he believes the company will need more room in the future.
“It’s a perpetual thing. We’re growing so quickly,” he said.
“I kid you not how quickly we’re growing. Back orders will see that building rapidly filled.”
Mr Donnelly said PFI chose the property because of its location, size and the large office component to accommodate its 140 plus staff, along with the building’s enormous power supply.
“I’ve seen Products for Industry grow from a 260sqm unit 17 years ago and have been fortunate enough to work very closely with Gavin Dunwoodie to negotiate almost every property they have leased or acquired over that period.” he said.
“Although the industrial market has been relatively subdued due to the global pandemic, there is still activity flowing through all sectors of the market, and I can only see this improving in the short to medium term.”
A leasing rate has not been disclosed, however industry sources suggest that such a property would achieve in the order of $85-$95/sqm net.
Pellicano Investments bought the 4.68ha site from ABB Australia in 2016.
They have developed a 3500sqm warehouse on the property which was to MACH1 Logistics in March and then embarked on an upgrade of the warehouse which PFI has leased.
The next stage of the Connexion Industrial Park is the speculative construction of four units which will be completed in April next year.
Pellicano managing director Nando Pellicano believes commencing the refurbishment prior to PFI’s requirement was in the developer’s favour.
“We were pleased to work closely with PFI to provide a facility to suit their needs, all within a relatively short time frame and look forward to welcoming them to the new space.” he said.