Property developer Investec Property, a division of Investec Bank, recently announced the completion and handover of one of its most significant projects to date – the Toyota South Africa Motors parts distribution centre, in Ekurhuleni, adjacent to OR Tambo International Airport.

Investec Property worked in close partnership with Toyota from the outset of the project, carefully managing every element of the brief, from site selection to sourcing and installation of services.

The quality of the build and the management of the timeline enabled the delivery of this strategically important development for Toyota in South Africa. The first phase development comprises 48 000 m2 of warehouse space and 3 000 m2 of offices, with a potential future expansion for a further 48 000 m2.

“We have been able to provide Toyota with a purpose-built facility that will satisfy both its current and future requirements. The project was completed within the agreed 12 month timeline and specified budget. “The strength of our partnership with Toyota is one of the key reasons we were able to realise its aims effectively and deliver this successful outcome,” said Investec Property’s David Rosmarin.

The advanced design of the distribution warehouse, which will supply Toyota’s 192 local dealers and 48 export delivery points throughout Africa, has a number of green features, including insulation of the structure and provision of heat-reflecting glazing.

There is also a water collection and irrigation system aimed at reducing the total water consumption at the facility. An underground retention tank was installed with the capacity to store up to 175 000 ℓ of rainwater, which is collected from the warehouse roof and drained through a biofilter before being used to irrigate the landscaped areas.

The site is located in an environment- sensitive area and Investec Property man- aged the building process taking this into consideration. Ecologically friendly measures were implemented on site to create a dust-free environment, while preventing spills and stormwater from running off into the wetland.

Other unique features intended to improve operational efficiencies include the installa- tion of an early-suppression, fast-release sprinkler installation system, the largest of its kind in South Africa. The facility also has a 40 m clear-span staging area and motion sensor lighting throughout the facility.

The warehouse is expected to be operational by early 2012.