Future-Proofing Industrial Development

Strategies in Supply Chain Resilience

At the recent NAIOP I.CON East conference in Jersey City, I joined a panel of experts who emphasized the crucial need for supply chain resilience to ensure the long-term viability of businesses and communities.

Anne Strauss-Wieder, freight and public policy instructor at Rutgers University, moderated the panel, highlighting the importance of viewing disruptions as a spectrum and planning accordingly through coordination, collaboration, and communication. David Greek, managing partner at Greek Real Estate Partners, stressed the necessity of building resilience from the beginning of projects by maintaining a strong investor base, using conservative leverage, incorporating flexible design, and securing good insurance.

Beth Demba, head of capital deployment for the East at Prologis, pointed out the shift in customer demand for secure inventory post-COVID-19, underscoring the need for building design flexibility. That’s where I jumped in, stressing the importance of future-proofing industrial sites to enhance resilience.

At Bohler, we perform thorough upfront due diligence for backup power and freight access, balancing necessity with economic feasibility. I emphasized the importance of evaluating resilience with clients, as many are increasingly aware of its significance. We encourage developers to actively engage with tenants to understand their resilience needs and work together on implementing effective strategies.

Overall, the panel emphasized that proactive planning and collaboration are critical for mitigating risks and ensuring long-term viability.

Read NAIOP’s full recap here.