FUSION COLOGNE: ThielemannGroup invests in a logistics campus for the RECHT Logistik Group in Cologne

Cologne, 7 August 2026. The go-ahead has been given for the ThielemannGroup’s construction project in the FUSION COLOGNE district of Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (HGK), situated directly at Niehler Hafen in Cologne: With the notarisation on 6 August 2026, the groundwork has been laid for the development of a new logistics campus. On the site, which covers approximately 101,900 square metres, two modern and sustainable logistics facilities are being built at a cost of over 100 million euros; these will in future be used by the RECHT Logistik Group as a single, integrated campus.

Two buildings, one high-performance campus

The ThielemannGroup is constructing two logistics complexes, each comprising three warehouse sections and with a total floor area of around 63,700 square metres. Of this, 52,854 square metres is hall space, 3,902 square metres is office space and 6,946 square metres is mezzanine space. 51 loading bays and six ground-level gates provide the conditions for efficient logistics processes that can be flexibly adapted to different customer requirements.

RECHT Logistik Group to establish new headquarters in Cologne

The RECHT Logistik Group will be the tenant of the entire campus. It will provide logistics services here for Makita, the Japanese manufacturer of power tools. In addition, the group will use the space for other client projects. At the same time, it is relocating its previous headquarters from Brühl to Cologne. In future, the campus will also house the management and central administrative departments. “For us, the new campus is far more than just additional logistics space – it will become the heart of the RECHT Logistics Group,” says Christian Karl Flick, COO of the ThielemannGroup and CEO of the RECHT Logistics Group. “We are consolidating operational and administrative functions whilst creating space for further growth. The relocation of our headquarters to Cologne also underlines the strategic importance of the location for our development.”

First official tenant on the FUSION COLOGNE site 

With the logistics campus, the first official business establishment on the FUSION COLOGNE site is also taking shape. The district, to be developed by HGK, covers 17 hectares and is set to be expanded in the long term to around 55 hectares of former industrial land. It combines spaces for logistics, production and innovation with excellent connections to road, rail and waterways.

“The signing of the deed marks an important milestone for the HGK Group. The fact that RECHT Logistik will establish its headquarters here in future and that a renowned company such as Makita will utilise the site sends a strong signal for HGK and for Cologne as a business and logistics hub,” says Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK AG. Lisa Hirsch, Managing Director of Fusion Cologne GmbH, adds: “The concept, which we have developed jointly, combines high sustainability standards with forward-looking site development. It meets the requirements of modern logistics whilst fitting perfectly with the profile and objectives of FUSION COLOGNE.”

Sustainable construction, prepared for electric mobility

The ThielemannGroup is aiming for certification to the DGNB Gold Standard for both buildings. Plans include, amongst other things, photovoltaic systems, green roofs, a sustainable local heating concept and energy-efficient LED lighting. Wooden façades for the office complex, as well as high-quality workspaces and staff facilities, complement the concept. The quality of the working environment for employees also plays an important role in the planning. Spacious lounge and leisure areas are being created in the outdoor facilities. Native plants support the nature-oriented design of the site. In addition, a compensation area with around 1,275 trees and approximately 10,425 shrubs is planned.

There is a particular focus on electric mobility: in addition to charging points for e-bikes and electric cars, the campus will also feature charging facilities for electric lorries. This ensures that the site is prepared from the outset for the increasing electrification of freight transport. The project’s sustainability standards align very well with the overall concept of FUSION COLOGNE. The entire neighbourhood has successfully completed the audit process for DGNB pre-certification at Gold level. Factors taken into account included, amongst others, space efficiency, mobility infrastructure, the design of open spaces and sustainable water cycle systems.

Construction scheduled to start at the end of 2026

Once planning permission has been granted, construction is expected to begin at the end of the fourth quarter of 2026. The ThielemannGroup is currently preparing the relevant planning application, which is due to be submitted shortly. Completion and handover of the entire logistics campus are scheduled for the first quarter of 2028.

“Cologne combines economic strength, excellent infrastructure and great potential for development,” says Navid Thielemann. “It is precisely in an environment such as this that we, as the ThielemannGroup, want to take on long-term corporate responsibility, continue to invest and, together with our partners, develop new solutions for efficient supply chains. With this campus, we are therefore making a clear commitment to Cologne as a top business location.”