Business : International News
Logicor Completes Development at Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park

Logicor Completes Development at Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park

Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has completed the first two buildings in Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park, the first ‘Last Mile’ logistics hub in the city. The newly delivered development is strategically located at the exit to the Sun Highway (Autostrada Soarelui),

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Trowers advises Gamuda Land on £100 million joint venture

Trowers advises Gamuda Land on £100 million joint venture

Trowers & Hamlins is delighted to have acted for Malaysian developer Gamuda Land in relation to a £100 million joint venture with Singapore-based Q Investment Partners, to establish a platform for investment into the UK purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. Alongside structuring and documenting the JV, we assisted with

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Doka improves safety & increases efficiency on POST Rotterdam renovation

Doka improves safety & increases efficiency on POST Rotterdam renovation

The POST Rotterdam building project is transforming the aging post office into a real gem as work continues on renovation and redevelopment of the esteemed property. To ensure the construction process on the busy Coolsingel boulevard flows safely and efficiently, the joint venture POST-Bouw, a combination of BESIX Nederland and

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Belgium's First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

Belgium’s First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

The design of a McDonald’s site in Bourse, Brussels has been praised for its innovative circular approach. As part of McDonald’s aim to become a net-zero business by 2050, the multinational fast food chain commissioned Antwerp-based design studio WeWantMore to create a sustainable design for its dining areas, with a

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SAVILLS STRENGTHENS PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRESENCE WITH THE ACQUISITION OF PMCC ACTUS IN MALAYSIA

Savills strengthens Project Management presence with the acquisition of PMCC Actus in Malaysia

International real estate advisor Savills today announced the acquisition of PMCC ACTUS, a specialist Project Management and Dispute Resolution business in Malaysia. This strategic move reinforces Savills’ commitment to expanding its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. Savills’ acquisition of PMCC ACTUS aligns with the company’s strategic vision

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Business : International News

Balfour Beatty secures $746 million (£575 million) Texas Interstate contract

Balfour Beatty secures $746 million (£575 million) Texas Interstate contract

Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, today announces that it has been awarded a $746 million (£575 million) contract by the Texas Department of Transportation to rebuild part of the Interstate 35 (I-35) through Austin in Texas. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “This latest contract award demonstrates our leading civil engineering capabilities and is testament to our 30-year history of delivering projects for the Texas Department of Transportation. Our selective bidding approach ensures that we leverage our strengths to work with long-term customers in the geographies in which we have proven expertise, strong teams and trusted supply chain partners.” Balfour Beatty will reconstruct a four-kilometre section of the route on the south side of downtown Austin which on completion will provide eight general purpose lanes, a major new intersection and multiple upgraded access roads. A new bridge will also be built across the 416-acre Lady Bird Lake located on the Colorado River, replacing the existing bridge which was built in 1956. Due to the expansive area and water-based nature of the works, the bridge will be constructed from a barge, requiring complex engineering and marine expertise. Additionally, the project features a bridge and innovative intersection at Riverside Drive to support the future light rail line which will expand and improve the public transport network in the Central Texas Region.  The project forms part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s I-35 Capital Express Central project to significantly improve connectivity and enhance capacity for the 200,000 drivers who use this segment of the interstate daily.   Main construction will commence in the first half of 2025 with completion expected in 2033. At peak construction, Balfour Beatty will directly employ over 150 people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Logicor Completes Development at Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park

Logicor Completes Development at Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park

Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has completed the first two buildings in Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park, the first ‘Last Mile’ logistics hub in the city. The newly delivered development is strategically located at the exit to the Sun Highway (Autostrada Soarelui), on Theodor Pallady Boulevard, at a distance of c. 1 km or 10 minutes walking distance from the Anghel Saligny subway station. As a premium facility, Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park is BREEAM Very Good certified, and is equipped with efficient and environmental-friendly LED lighting systems. This project is highly customized and offers unique spaces adapted for our customers’ specific needs. The two buildings in Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park total a 41,500 sqm area, including 37,000 sqm of state-of-the-art warehouse space and 2,800 sqm of office and social spaces and 1,700 sqm of mezzanine space. The park is almost fully leased to high-profile, dynamic customers who will benefit from the ideal position which enables an easy access for their employees, the production and distribution of goods, both locally and nationwide. Our role as a logistics developer and facility owner is to enable the flow of trade that is vital for everyday life, and we remain committed to this mission as we successfully complete this unique project in Romania.” Given its proximity to the city, Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park is the ideal solution for companies providing everyday life services, such as e-commerce, distribution, courier services or retail, for whom effective coverage of the last segment in the supply chain is of particular importance. In line with its commitment to creating long-term value and positive impact on local communities, Logicor added a unique art component to the Pallady project. The project is located at the Theodor Pallady Boulevard, named from well-known Romanian painter. To mark this unique location Logicor invited to cooperation the Romanian artist Wanda Hutira who created an inspiring, representative c.100 sqm mural on the park’s water tank, with her personal interpretation of Logicor’s mission to enable the flow of trade vital for everyday life. Including Pallady, Logicor Romania’s portfolio currently comprises more than 320,000 square meters of Class A warehouse space, with tenants such as Fildas-Catena, Dr. MAX, Coca-Cola, DPD, Profi Rom Food, Heineken and IKEA. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Maglód’s renowned logistics park attracts another international logistics company

Maglód’s renowned logistics park attracts another international logistics company

At the end of the summer, one of the leading freight forwarding companies in the airport sector opened a new 5,000-sqm site in the ever-expanding Maglód logistics park, which currently boasts almost 100,000 sqm of warehouse space. The long-term lease agreement between HGL Group Hungary and HelloParks will allow the company to expand further within HelloParks Maglód megapark in the future. Located near Ferenc Liszt International Airport, the development has won several prestigious awards and has recently become increasingly popular with leading companies in the air cargo industry. For example, Aeroplex Central Europe Ltd, the region’s largest independent aviation maintenance company, previously leased nearly 8,000 sqm of warehouse and office space on the same site. With this year’s transactions, 90 per cent of the two completed halls in the megapark have already been let. HelloParks Maglód Megapark boasts two national firsts: MG1, which houses HGL Group, was the first industrial property in Hungary to achieve BREEAM New Construction Excellent, while MG3, completed in the second phase, was also the first to achieve an Outstanding rating. The facilities support tenants’ day-to-day operations with sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Among the efficiency features are roof-mounted solar panels — which allow the offices to operate with zero primary energy consumption — and HelloParks’ dedicated mobile app. Even the rain that falls on the roof is harnessed and collected in a separate storage tank for irrigation. The common areas will be lit by smart-ready lights, and electric car chargers will be available in the warehouse car park. In addition to state-of-the-art technology, the developer, which will also manage the facilities, offers its partners flexible and customised design solutions that comply with all current regulations and favourable conditions for their further development. The HGL Group, which will soon move into hall MG1, focuses on transporting and handling high-value and sensitive goods that require special care, high speed and increased security. With its exceptional parameters, the site is also perfectly suited to these specialised activities. The company also provides European transport coordination for the major players in the Hungarian film industry and the arrival and customs clearance of a significant proportion of e-commerce goods entering the European Union via Hungary. “Moving to a new, sustainable facility is an important milestone for us and represents a significant stage in developing our ever-growing operations and high-quality services. Throughout the negotiations, we were convinced that HelloParks megapark would provide an excellent solution for our e-commerce business and our customers. The state-of-the-art facility will already house our new roller-bed transport and storage system developed for handling ULD air pallets,” said Csaba Németh, Managing Director of HGL Group Hungary, commenting on the deal. “We are proud to have gained the confidence of the HGL Group and are particularly pleased to be able to support their planned growth. This agreement is a further success of our firmly established development and leasing concept. Our presence in the vicinity of the airport is of paramount importance. With this cooperation, we have once again moved forward in an exciting and crucial market segment,” said AndrásBodahelyi, Senior Business Development Manager of HelloParks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Balfour Beatty Communities to enhance military housing connectivity with new fiber optic network

Balfour Beatty Communities to enhance military housing connectivity with new fiber optic network

Balfour Beatty Communities, a leading national residential real estate investment and management company, is in the process of engaging with multiple fiber optic network providers to introduce cutting-edge broadband fiber optic capabilities to its privatised military housing portfolio, starting with an initial rollout of 10,000 homes at six U.S. Army bases. This strategic upgrade is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and deliver improved digital services to military families residing in housing on base. Theresa Steele, Vice President, Project Development at Balfour Beatty Communities said: “Delivering exceptional living experiences means continuously adapting to meet residents’ evolving needs. “We are excited to bring a more reliable, robust and secure internet network to our communities for the direct benefit of our residents.” This fiber-to-the-home deployment will deliver the high-speed connectivity that has become critical for everything from schoolwork and videoconferencing to telemedicine, paying bills and watching TV. Balfour Beatty Communities currently is in various phases of development with third party providers to implement fiber-to-the-home projects in its military housing communities at Fort Eisenhower (Georgia), Fort Bliss (Texas), Fort Jackson (South Carolina), Fort Stewart (Georgia), Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri), and Fort Carson (Colorado), with plans to continue expanding access across the balance of its military housing portfolio. A spokesperson at Fort Jackson Army Housing Office said: “Fort Jackson prioritises the quality of life for soldiers assigned to the installation. Fiber technology has been standard in residential areas since the early 2000s, which is not the case on all Army installations including Fort Jackson. “Army families would benefit greatly from a much-needed upgrade to fiber optic connectivity. Not only will this improve connectivity performance in every home, it also future-proofs our partner-managed homes, increasing the overall value. Our mission units rely on a dependable fiber network to serve every mission on Fort Jackson, our housing area is overdue for this needed update.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Navigating international hiring in the Netherlands: Key strategies for businesses

Navigating international hiring in the Netherlands: Key strategies for businesses

As the Dutch economy continues to thrive, more and more international companies are looking to tap into the talented workforce of the Netherlands. This trend has led to an increased focus on effective strategies for hiring international employees in the country. In this article, we’ll explore two key concepts that can help businesses streamline their international hiring process: the IND recognized sponsor system and Employer of Record services. Understanding the IND recognized sponsor system For companies looking to hire highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands, becoming an IND recognized sponsor can be a game-changer. This status, granted by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), offers several benefits to businesses: However, with these benefits come certain responsibilities. IND recognized sponsors must maintain accurate records, report changes in employee status, and ensure compliance with Dutch immigration laws. While the process may seem daunting, the advantages often outweigh the administrative burden for companies committed to international hiring. Leveraging Employer of Record services in the Netherlands For businesses that want to hire in the Netherlands without establishing a local entity, Employer of Record Netherlands services can be an excellent solution. An Employer of Record (EOR) acts as the legal employer for your workers in the country, handling payroll, taxes, and compliance issues on your behalf. This arrangement offers several advantages for foreign companies: reduced time and cost associated with setting up a Dutch subsidiary, minimized legal and compliance risks, and flexibility to test the market before committing to a permanent presence. By partnering with an experienced EOR, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring their Dutch employees are managed in full compliance with local laws and regulations. Best practices for successful international hiring Regardless of whether you choose to become an IND recognized sponsor or work with an Employer of Record, there are several best practices to keep in mind when hiring internationally in the Netherlands: Cultural considerations The Dutch workplace culture values directness, equality, and work-life balance. When recruiting and managing international employees, it’s essential to understand and respect these cultural norms. Consider offering cultural training to both your existing team and new hires to foster a harmonious work environment. Legal and administrative tips Stay informed about Dutch labor laws, including working hours, vacation time, and termination procedures. Ensure that your employment contracts are compliant with local regulations and clearly outline the terms and conditions of employment. It’s also wise to establish a clear communication channel for addressing any concerns or questions your international employees may have. The future of international employment in the Netherlands As the global workforce becomes increasingly mobile, the Netherlands is likely to remain an attractive destination for international talent. Businesses that can effectively navigate the complexities of cross-border hiring will be well-positioned to benefit from this trend. By leveraging tools like the IND recognized sponsor system and Employer of Record services, companies can build diverse, talented teams that drive innovation and growth in the Dutch market and beyond. As you consider your international hiring strategy, remember that success often lies in finding the right balance between compliance, efficiency, and cultural sensitivity. With the right approach and support, your business can thrive in the dynamic and diverse landscape of international employment in the Netherlands.

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Trowers advises Gamuda Land on £100 million joint venture

Trowers advises Gamuda Land on £100 million joint venture

Trowers & Hamlins is delighted to have acted for Malaysian developer Gamuda Land in relation to a £100 million joint venture with Singapore-based Q Investment Partners, to establish a platform for investment into the UK purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. Alongside structuring and documenting the JV, we assisted with the acquisition of the JV’s first asset, a site in Woolwich to develop a 299-bed PBSA scheme alongside Hurlington Capital. When complete, the project will be one of the first PBSA schemes within the Woolwich Royal Arsenal regeneration area. Jonathan Ding, Head of International Land Acquisitions from Gamuda Land commented: “We are delighted to have secured our first PBSA development project in London together with our joint venture partners, Q Investment Partners and Hurlington Capital. The Trowers team were dedicated to the project, showing expertise, tenacity and tact to bring a complex transaction to a successful closing.” Partners Geoff Allen and Tom Reynolds, who led the Trowers & Hamlins team between our Malaysia and London offices, commented: “It is fantastic and a privilege to have been able to support Gamuda Land as it continues to expand its UK real estate footprint across a range of asset classes. As the first international law firm to open an office in Malaysia many years ago, and having opened an office in Singapore earlier this year, our unique regional presence allows us to provide an enhanced offering to support the flow of capital from these two important markets into the UK. Supported by experts who have worked across our international and UK businesses for many years, this project also strengthens our long-standing track record of advising Malaysian developers and investors in relation to their UK real estate assets.” Specialist support was provided across our Malaysia, Singapore and London teams, in particular by Ian Dobinson, Sean Donovan-Smith (London), Abdulhaq Mohammed and William Barakat (Singapore) on corporate, financial services and structuring, Neil Biswas (London) on real estate, and Nicol Ong (Malaysia) on debt financing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Doka improves safety & increases efficiency on POST Rotterdam renovation

Doka improves safety & increases efficiency on POST Rotterdam renovation

The POST Rotterdam building project is transforming the aging post office into a real gem as work continues on renovation and redevelopment of the esteemed property. To ensure the construction process on the busy Coolsingel boulevard flows safely and efficiently, the joint venture POST-Bouw, a combination of BESIX Nederland and Rizzani de Eccher, is working with a customized portfolio of solutions from Doka Nederland. Saving valuable crane time, Doka’s self-climbing formwork, SCP platform and various lightweight formwork as well as flexible scaffolding systems are being optimised to ensure a secure work environment and improved onsite efficiency. The renovation and redevelopment of POST Rotterdam consists of a low-rise and 155-metre high-rise building. “For the low-rise, we delivered essential construction systems at an early stage of the project,” says Denick van Gemert, formwork instructor at Doka Nederland. “The high-rise is now under construction and our self-lifting formwork and work platform are playing a starring role in its continued development. These products are working in tandem with the Doka Framax Xlife wall formwork system, Ringlock scaffolding and other complementary products.” Hydraulic cylinders streamline operations The Doka platform SCP is circularly slotted to ensure workers are kept safe and protected in different weather conditions, even at great heights. It is also being used to make the walls of the cores, while the shear walls for each floor are made using the SKE50+ Framax Xlife formwork system. Both systems are self-climbing but optimise different technology. “For the SCP system, we use four stellar hydraulic cylinders that push the platform, formwork, material storage such as rebar and concrete pump to the next floor in one operation without needing a crane; And it all happens at the push of a button,” Denick explains. “The system rests on twelve brackets, three per cylinder, via cones in the wall. When climbing, the top two brackets disassemble the climbing bolts at each cylinder. Subsequently the cylinder slides out and the two brackets are anchored one floor up in the cone, next the climbing bolts on the lower bracket are disassembled, the cylinder retracts and it too is anchored one floor up. The beauty of this system is that on one corner we can simultaneously push the concrete pump, so there is no need to pour using a crane.” Lightweight systems reduce heavy lifting The Framax Xlife system also climbs automatically on POST Rotterdam’s high-rise, using the Doka SKE50+ system. Unlike the SCP platform, which moves up a floor in one movement, the SKE50+ system climbs in 30-centimeter increments via a total of eighteen small cylinders. The POST Bouw JV also relies on Doka systems for construction of the floors and columns. For example, the wet floors are being made with Dokadek 30, a manual formwork, and the columns with DokaXlight. “Both systems are lightweight and easy to move by hand negating the need for the contractor to use a construction crane.” Doka Nederland provided the protection screen Xclimb 60, a 12-meter-high safety screen over four floors that also climbs automatically. “At two points, this screen is equipped with a loading platform to ensure secure deliveries of materials,” says Denick. To add further security for workers the practical Doka Ringlock Scaffolding is used to secure the various openings in the floor, which are created by the staggered balconies that vary in height from one to three storeys. In addition, Ringlock is used as an access solution for the rebar works on the column and as a shoring system. Implementing digital tools from foundation to top level. Doka is embracing digital tools to increase efficiencies and maximized the use of Building Information Modelling, BIM, to drive formwork planning for POST Rotterdam. The use of digital 3D planning advanced workflows for rapid site preparation, and enabled streamlined formwork planning and execution. “This is a distinctive project that Rizzani de Eccher and BESIX are managing together in a successful partnership. To achieve the impressive transformation in the heart of the city requires advanced engineering and technical management skills. These are areas in which BESIX and Rizzani de Eccher both excel, but it is thanks to Doka’s engineering expertise in the design phase, high-quality systems, and digital know how it would be impossible to successfully manage this complex project. We appreciate the value of working with a single source for essential components of the construction process,” says Ferruccio Zappacosta, Construction Manager at the Post-Bouw JV. Once completed, the multi-purpose POST Rotterdam building will house a 5-star Kimpton-brand hotel, catering establishments, and 305 apartments showcasing a striking example of the mix between modern architecture and the rehabilitation of historical buildings. Doka continues to make a significant contribution the project by providing a suite of solutions to ensure the safe and efficient construction. “Soon we will be delivering a second Protection screen Xclimb 60 to support completion of the facade. Both screens are anchored to the steel structure already provided for the aesthetic shell.” Denick expects that most of Doka’s solutions will continue to be used until March 2025. “After that, all our products will be dismantled quickly and efficiently before being transferred directly to our site in Oss. Customer support is integrated in our service which means that until the project is finalized, we will regularly visit the site to confirm everything is going according to plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Belgium's First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

Belgium’s First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

The design of a McDonald’s site in Bourse, Brussels has been praised for its innovative circular approach. As part of McDonald’s aim to become a net-zero business by 2050, the multinational fast food chain commissioned Antwerp-based design studio WeWantMore to create a sustainable design for its dining areas, with a focus on décor circularity. This refurbishment follows similar projects from WeWantMore at McDonald’s restaurants in Carbonne and La Guerche de Bretagne, France. The premise for these projects was to create a blueprint that could be scaled to other McDonald’s around the world, facilitated by a measurement index tracking the circularity of McDonald’s global restaurant décor. The building holds historical significance as the first McDonald’s in Belgium, and it now also represents an innovative approach to sustainable restaurant design, where every aspect has been carefully planned to minimise environmental impact. Over 80 per cent of the wood used in the project is from PEFC-certified sources, and the plastic used for tabletops and stools is largely made from recycled materials. Laminates, which are hard to recycle due to their multiple layers of composite materials, have been removed from all furniture and décor elements where possible. The lighting is energy-efficient, and the flooring and ceiling are Cradle-to-Cradle certified, allowing for easy recycling or reuse after their lifecycle. Ruud Belmans, WeWantMore Founder and Creative Director, said, “With this concept, we want to show that sustainable design can be bold and fun while making a significant difference. The main progress was made by choosing the right materials and designing the furniture and interior elements from scratch, simplifying as much as possible.” Looking to the future, the design is also purposely easy to disassemble. Rather than using glues, which can make materials harder to reuse, elements are held together using mechanical fixings. This means restaurant features can be more effectively broken down by raw material type, with the goal of recycling or reusing. Stephen Douglas, Vice President, Global Restaurant Design at McDonald’s, said, “Our new McDonald’s restaurant design bridges creativity and sustainability through a focus on décor circularity, elevating the way design meets the needs of our customers and employees. Not only does the new décor have a bright, optimistic look, but the circularity principles provide a sunny outlook to the future of how we will be feeding and fostering community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SAVILLS STRENGTHENS PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRESENCE WITH THE ACQUISITION OF PMCC ACTUS IN MALAYSIA

Savills strengthens Project Management presence with the acquisition of PMCC Actus in Malaysia

International real estate advisor Savills today announced the acquisition of PMCC ACTUS, a specialist Project Management and Dispute Resolution business in Malaysia. This strategic move reinforces Savills’ commitment to expanding its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. Savills’ acquisition of PMCC ACTUS aligns with the company’s strategic vision to expand its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. With strong businesses across APAC in India, Australasia, and South East Asia, this move demonstrates Savills’ commitment to enhancing its offerings and delivering comprehensive solutions to its clients, cementing its position as a leading provider in the project management and building services industry. The integration of PMCC ACTUS’ expertise in project management and dispute advisory for investors, developers, and end-users, seamlessly complements Savills’ existing service offerings. This acquisition enables Savills to deliver an even broader spectrum of innovative and sustainable property solutions, further catering to the evolving needs of the Asia Pacific property market. “The acquisition of PMCC Actus is a testament to Savills’ commitment to providing best-in-class project management solutions” said Mr. Will Forwood, Managing Director, Savills Projects, APAC. “Our combined expertise and geographic reach will drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our clients across the region.” Since its establishment in 2019, PMCC ACTUS has successfully secured new and repeat projects with renowned multinational clients. PMCC ACTUS focuses on two market segments: Project Management and Construction Claims & Disputes. Post acquisition these services will be established as Savills Projects for Project Management and ACTUS for Construction Claims & Disputes. This expansion will broaden and amplify Savills’ professional services in APAC by offering construction industry advisory related to claims, dispute strategy, contract administration, advocacy, and mediation. “I’m very excited by the opportunity this acquisition brings to the PMCC ACTUS team,” added Mr. Jamie Duncan, who will assume the role as Managing Director, Savills Projects, Malaysia. “The announcement today from Savills will enable the company to further expand its clientele, footprint and service offering, which we are poised to capitalize on within the growing APAC markets.” “Savills has always been at the forefront of empowering businesses through the strategic development of national delivery platforms. I’m delighted to welcome Jamie into our Malaysia team. With the expansion of Savills Projects, we are set to redefine the landscape of project management in Malaysia, ensuring that we continue to help people thrive through places and spaces,” Datuk Paul Khong, Managing Director, Savills Malaysia, finished. “ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Key player in German infrastructure chooses iLOQ’s customized security solution

Key player in German infrastructure chooses iLOQ’s customised security solution

iLOQ creates customized mobile-key-based solution to provide secure access to DFMG’s rooftop sites. Founded in 2002 (as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom), Deutsche Funkturm (DFMG) is a key player in developing infrastructure for German mobile network operators, broadcasters, operators of radio relays, and the radio networks of authorities and other institutions. With more than 35,000 antenna sites, it is the largest operator of radio infrastructure in Germany and the 3rd largest in Europe. The company’s portfolio includes around 20,000 rooftop locations. The sites are currently accessed using mechanical keys. To minimize operating and administrative costs, DFMG decided to replace the previous access solution with a customized solution from iLOQ. In 2021, iLOQ created an initial prototype for the lids based on the battery-free and keyless iLOQ S50 solution. With iLOQ S50, an NFC-enabled smartphone is both a key and a power source. The smartphone’s NFC induction generates enough electrical energy to identify access rights and open the lock. Access rights, which are centrally managed using a single cloud-based SaaS platform, are sent remotely and in real time to an app running on the technician’s smartphone. They can be updated as necessary or blocked immediately to eliminate security risks involved with lost, stolen, or unreturned keys, reduce unauthorized access and safeguard on-site equipment. iLOQ’s prototype fulfilled all legal and regulatory requirements and the customized product, which has been certified by DFMG, is now being rolled out to all rooftop sites as a first step. “ilOQ’s intelligent, digital products increase security and simplify the management of access to our radio sites and critical infrastructures. The user-friendly software solution enables us to grant or withdraw new access rights quickly and efficiently. Both we and our customers and contractors are delighted,” states Cornelia Essing, Head of Site Access, DFMG Deutsche Funkturm GmbH. After the roll-out at the rooftop sites, DFMG will implement the intelligent, secure, and sustainable solutions from iLOQ for its radio towers in Germany. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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