Outlook 2013: Logistic outsourcing increasing in Stockholm

Boasting excellent infrastructure and a strategically important location, Stockholm is perfectly suited for deliveries to Scandinavia and the Baltic region. And with changes under way, opportunities for international companies are opening up.

The logistics industry in Stockholm is doing well from an international perspective. The sector is still developing and is not as mature as other European markets. Logistics is a broad concept that includes services ranging from transportation, through to IT solutions and warehouses.

“Last year, logistics giant the Goodman Group, the number one developer of logistics space in Europe, announced that it is setting up a real estate investment and asset management company in Stockholm, with the aim of expanding in the Nordic region. That was one of last year’s highlights”, said Kirsi Kangas, Business Development Manager at Stockholm Business Region.

One of the main trends in the logistics sector is for companies to outsource services to third party specialists. However, in Sweden only around 15 percent of companies outsource logistics, compared to 30 percent in Europe and even higher in the US.

The cost of renting logistics space in Stockholm in 2012 was stable at around SEK 1,000 per square meter closer to the centre of the city and less far out.

Mapping opportunities

Stockholm is also internationally renowned for green logistics, not least when it comes to energy efficient warehouses. In addition, Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the most energy efficient airport in the world.

“We’re focusing further on defining opportunities for investors during 2013. In cooperation with 18 municipalities in the region, we’re investigating the sector and supply chain, locations and flows. The result will be a report as well as a great tool for foreign investors and companies” said Kirsi Kangas.