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A fairly reliable measure of business confidence is the rate of investment in industrial real estate. For Panattoni, a turnkey developer of logistics warehouses and industrial premises, and German office of the Panattoni Development Company in the USA, its full order books indicate that general confidence levels remain high, despite the coronavirus crisis. European Business spoke to Managing Partner Fred-Markus Bohne about the importance of sustainability and a forward-looking approach to real estate investment.

In order to create residential areas that feel pleasant for a long time to come, every urban planning project requires a dedicated approach. One has to enter into a relationship with the local people and surroundings, in order to find the optimal sustainable solution. The project teams of LEVS architecten are always looking for specific answers that suit a particular situation. They work on residential and urban planning projects in The Netherlands and other Western European countries as well as in Russia and rural Africa. The company is based in a former harbour area in Amsterdam and has 40 employees.

Passion fosters entrepreneurial succes – this statement is the perfect opening line for our interview with Johannes Kwizda, Member of the Management Team at Kwizda Group. The Austrian company ranks among the leading conglomerates in the country with its strong focus on healthcare, agricultural products and construction materials. European Business talked to Mr. Kwizda about the continued rise of the Austrian family business and how it manages to keep the delicate balance between honouring past tradition and looking to the future.

Construction accounts for much of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but it is ever more necessary to house growing populations. New solutions are needed to reconcile the need to construct with the need to protect the environment. Additionally, inside spaces, especially in areas where land is at a premium, are required to be increasingly flexible, and adaptable to the changing needs of inhabitants. One of the most innovative responses to these challenges has been through investment in modular building techniques. Its forward thinking in this area has propelled Jan Snel to market leader.

It is a family business through and through: Managed by the third and fourth generations, Bouwbedrijf M.J. de Nijs en Zonen B.V. has successfully completed many outstanding buildings, including the EYE Filmmuseum in Amsterdam, the national film museum of the Netherlands, and the Hermitage Amsterdam in Amsterdam, a local offshoot of the renowned The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. In business for almost a century, the company perfectly combines quality craftsmanship with advanced digital technology and a low environmental footprint.

The world is growing tall. As suitably sized building plots become scarce, skyscrapers are springing up around the globe to meet the housing needs of the growing population and the space requirements of expanding businesses. Their construction, however, presents major challenges. How do you lift heavy building materials to the top of a 300 m building? Czech company STROS – Sedlčanské strojírny, a.s. has the answer. The company specializes in temporary and permanent external lifting solutions to suit a multitude of situations.

The construction industry is always expanding and changing. Alongside the commercial building industry, the DIY sector has been steadily on the rise for over a decade. The Berdal Group, headquartered in the Netherlands, has been a leading producer, supplier and private-label specialist of synthetic and rubber-based products for the past 45 years. The firm is also active in the creation of a range of products that uses technical membranes and waterproofing construction membranes.

When it comes to designing new tools, no one is in a better position to know what is really needed than someone who has actually been a hands-on exponent. This was the starting point for Pierino Bravi’s successful manufacturing firm BRAVIISOL D.M. S.R.L. Mr. Bravi spent over 20 years installing thermal and acoustic insulation, and understood the challenges of accessing high and hard-to-reach areas in comfort and safety. He started building mobile work platforms for his own use, before turning these into a commercial venture. Today, his platforms are in demand by customers across the world.

It is a pioneer in residential steel construction and one of a handful of companies in the sector offering free, advance services including 3D drawings and calculations. Pfeiffer Bauplanung u. Hallenbau GmbH is an Austrian steel and industrial construction firm that covers the entire value chain, from consulting and planning to structural engineering and technical execution. Managing Director Claus Pfeiffer told EUROPEAN business how to build competitive advantage in a challenging sector that is characterized by ever shorter project deadlines and a dramatically growing skills shortage.

Consultants play a very important role in construction projects. They help plan and design the project, as well as act as a link between client and contractor. Exengo Installationskonsult AB, located in Stockholm, has experienced employees, in many specialized areas, who are ready to help customers with various wants and needs.