Cue the Self Storage Industry and the demand needed! contents At last we are seeing positive signs of Spring and an end to the long Siberian Winter that has blighted much of Europe this year! Spring weather often brings with it an air of change, putting a smile back on people’s faces, creating the urge to “spring-clean” (e.g. tidying up the garden or giving the house a “once- over” and sorting out those things that take up space, but which people just can’t bear to throw out). Cue the self storage industry and the demand needed! FEDESSA News As well as sorting out house contents, many customers will need to put their winter tyres, winter clothing, ski equipment, snow clearance tools, etc., into • Focus on Rodney Walker, CBE . . . . .4 storage to keep their house clutter free, or at least “freer” than it might otherwise • Public Storage FFO zooms ...... 5 have been. Added to on-going, long-term and temporary storage requirements, • Martyn Dickinson joins Gliderol . .15 this is all music to self storage operators’ ears. It is also a time to concentrate more on customer service, as more opportunities arise to meet and talk with Country Feature ...... 7 & 8 both existing and potential customers. Community events begin again, often providing an opportunity for operators to gain PR by becoming involved, or by • Profile on Germany promoting charitable causes. Company Features So, while it may have been a long time coming; it’s better late than never and our industry needs to make the best of all available opportunities. • ZeitLager opens in Landshut . . . . .9 Sure, things are still more difficult than they were in the “good times” a few • Secur Self Storage ...... 10 years ago, and pressure on prices is still being felt in many countries. On the • Lagerbox Self Storage, Germany .12 other hand, definite signs of improvement are now visible in countries like Finland, which we will be featuring along with Russia in our 3/13 edition. • SAFEBOX Self Storage, Germany .13 Also, demand in Germany is now much higher than it has been in recent years • Pickens Selfstorage ...... 14 and this has allowed operators to increase rental prices. Credit is due to the • Shurgard Self Storage ...... 18 German operators and their Association, the Verband Deutscher Selfstorage Unternehmen e.V. (VDS), who have promoted the industry, making it more • MyPlace-Selfstorage expands . . .19 visible, which has helped to boost demand. German Operators ...... 11 With this air of confidence, we felt it only right to promote the expanding European self storage industry, and where better to focus our attention in this edition than on Germany, the VDS and German self storage operators. In addition to the companies and their representatives, our thanks go to Front Cover Photograph Catherine Adler at the VDS for her assistance in helping to obtain contributions The front cover photograph shows the from the various German operators. inside of a ZeitLager Self Storage It would also be remiss of us not to mention Rodney Walker, who retired as CEO of the SSA UK at the end of April, after over nine years overseeing the UK facility in Landshut, Germany. Association and helping self storage throughout Europe to grow into a recognisable and professional industry. His achievements are too many to include in this leader; however, the SSA UK have included deservedly suitable references elsewhere in this magazine. To subscribe to the Focus and Self Storage Europe The good news for FEDESSA is that Rodney will not be putting his feet up; he magazine, please contact: still has far too much energy to let that happen. And, in any case, Sandy would Self Storage Association, Priestley House, The Gullet, Nantwich, Cheshire. CW5 5SZ not permit it! FEDESSA will, therefore, continue to benefit as Rodney devotes Tel: + 44 (0)1270 623 150 some of his time to continuing and even expanding his work with FEDESSA. Fax: + 44 (0)1270 623 471 e-mail: [email protected] Last, but not least, as a mark of respect, we have devoted our FEDESSA profile Editorial to Rodney; hopefully, helping to give you a better understanding of his many News items and articles on all aspects of the self storage industry are welcomed, and should be sent, together with involvements over the years and to what goes into making him the man that photographs if appropriate, to the editor, Stan McKerron: he is. e-mail: [email protected] The SSA UK and FEDESSA, or any of its agents/representatives/staff, cannot accept any legal Tony Richman liability for the accuracy of the news items and articles contained in the magazine, which have been obtained FEDESSA European Representative and are reproduced in good faith. Advertising Please contact Stan McKerron: 48 Talbot Way, Stapeley, Nantwich, CW5 7RQ. Tel: + 44 (0)1270 624 622 e-mail: [email protected] 3 FEDESSA NEWS Self Storage Europe Volume 2, 2013 FEDESSA NEWS

Q. Details about your current employment/company? Q. What is the most physically demanding thing you I am a joint director of Stagpennant Ltd. and am have ever done? contracted as the Secretary General of FEDESSA. This is While this remains private to me, I reckon cross country a job I have done since 2004, having also been the SSA skiing in the army is high on the list. Tony Richman is FEDESSA’s UK’s CEO until recently. Questions answered by Rodney Walker (Secretary Q. What is the most daunting event you have faced? European Representative General of FEDESSA) Q. What have you enjoyed most and what do you feel you have achieved in your association(s)? Attending a Justin Timberlake concert in Birmingham with my middle daughter, Olivia. Tony Richman That is, of course, for you all to judge! However, I wouldn’t have stayed for over nine years if I hadn’t enjoyed most of Q. What is your worst memory? the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8 cents. it. As to the future, having spent about 40% of my time Losing a close friend in Northern Ireland; but on a less During the reported quarter, Public Storage recorded a 5.8% outside the UK (including 20 years on the continent of personal note, the damage done to the oil fields in Kuwait increase in total revenues to $472.9 million from $445.6 million Europe) I hope to do lots of travelling there now. by the Iraqis (which I saw at first hand when they were still in the year-earlier quarter. Total revenues for the reported burning and spewing out oil). Q. Knowing what you know now, and if you could start quarter were well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of again, would you have done the same thing? $450 million. Possibly not. Same-store revenues increased 4.8% year over year to $412.6 Q. If not, what changes would you have made? million during the quarter, while Net Operating Income (NOI) climbed 7.9% to $294.1 million. The increase in same-store My first love was forestry, followed latterly by travel revenues was primarily due to a 4.5% rise in realised annual adventures and ornithology. I suspect none of these rent per occupied square foot to $13.79. Occupancy in the would have paid me enough. same-store portfolio was 92.5% at quarter-end versus 91.7% in Q. Family? the prior-year period. Three daughters, Sandy and her two daughters. Public Storage currently has a 49% stake in Shurgard Europe, which has interests in 189 facilities (10 million net rentable Q. Education? square feet) located in seven Western European countries. Mostly from life experiences, along with an honours Q. What is your happiest memory? Public Storage is also the managing member of the JV that owns degree in General Science from London University. Receiving my CBE from HM The Queen. Shurgard Europe. Q. What are your favourite types of books? Q. How do you see the Self Storage Industry in ten During the reported quarter, same-store revenue in Shurgard Adventure, military history and biographies. years time? Europe decreased 2.0% to $47.0 million due to the continued sovereign debt crisis and concerns over the Euro. Same-store Q. What is your favourite type of music? Once this recession is over there is no doubt that there NOI for Shurgard Europe increased 2.1% year over year to will be another spurt in growth throughout the UK and I am tone-deaf, but enjoy all types including folk music $27.7 million, driven by a 1.3% rise in realised annual rent per Europe. If the financial difficulties remain, the and the bagpipes! Q. Being honest, what are three things that you dislike occupied square foot to $25.65. entrepreneurial zest of the industry will see it widening its Q. What is the best film you ever watched? most? services. During the third quarter of 2012, the company acquired four Avatar in 3D! Aggressive people, high tax regimes (VAT!) and bad self storage properties for $56 million cash. Spanning 300,000 Q. What tips would you give for anyone contemplating drivers. net rentable square feet, two of the acquired properties are Q. On which non-self storage subject would you entry/investment into the industry? choose to answer questions on a quiz show? Q. And, maybe three things that you really admire? located in Hawaii, and one each in California and New Jersey. Give it a go, but make sure you have really done your Subsequent to the quarter-end, Public Storage acquired four World geography. Dedication, loyalty and honesty. homework first. It is a business like any other and you additional self storage facilities (409,000 net rentable square Q. What was your first job? Q. Outside of work what are your main interests? must do the basics correctly. feet) in Texas, New York, Georgia, and Arizona for $43 million A foot soldier in the British Army. I have many, all equally refreshing and important to me – Q. Do you have a personal message for all your in cash. The company is currently under contract to acquire two running a youth club (including support to disabled colleagues and the people you have met during Q. What was the first car you owned? additional properties in Georgia and California for $21 million. children and young people), charitable activities (I chair your career in the self storage industry. An Austin A40. three charities) and my family (who all seem to be March on to the sound of a drum, or the bagpipes! Q. How old are you now? travelling the world without me!) Q. Personal hobbies/interests? Beyond retirement age! I was born in New Delhi, India Public Storage FFO zooms before Partition! Gardening, ornithology, ancestral discovery and shooting. Q. When did you first get involved in the Self Storage Public Storage (PSA), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) Industry? operating self storage facilities, reported third quarter 2012 FFO Do you have a story to tell us? (funds from operations) of $1.73 per share compared with In 1999 when I joined Abbey Storage Ltd. $1.29 in the year-earlier quarter, representing a year-over-year Q. What did you do previously? Have you recently opened a new self storage facility? Have any of your facilities undergone major increase of 34.1%. The surge in reported FFO was primarily At quarter-end, Public Storage had $535.8 million of cash and I was an officer in the British Army. restoration work or face lifts recently? due to improved property operations and impact of foreign cash equivalents. The company maintained its quarterly Q. What got you interested in the self storage If you/they have, please let us know by sending currency translations. dividend at $1.10 per share. Funds from operations available industry? the relevant information, plus suitable photographs Excluding several non-recurring items, FFO for third quarter for distribution (FAD) among common shareholders exceeded to: [email protected] 2012 was $1.76 per share compared with $1.56 in the year- the regular common distributions by about $101.7 million A financial offer I could not refuse! I knew nothing about ago quarter. Recurring FFO for the third quarter of 2012 beat during the quarter. self storage: “Not much has changed then,” say all of you! 4 5 Volume 2, 2013 COUNTRY FEATURE

Profile on Germany Germany is home to some of the world’s largest media conglomerates, including Bertelsmann and the publisher Axel The Federal Republic of Germany, which is Europe’s largest Springer. Some of Germany’s top free-to-air commercial TV economy, is also Europe’s most industrialised and populous networks are owned by ProSiebenSat1, a consortium led by a country with 82.1 million people (UN, 2011). Germany is a US billionaire. Germany has completed the switch to digital leading manufacturer and exporter of vehicles and machines; terrestrial TV broadcasting and public broadcasters ZDF and chemicals are also a key sector. ARD offer a range of digital-only channels. Germany is a major power in Europe and a proponent of European integration. Its economic success is built on its export industries, fiscal discipline and consensus-driven industrial Dedicated self storage services first opened relations and welfare policies. It is well known for its high- in the Munich area in 1997, with two or quality, high-tech goods. GNI per capita is US $43,980 three operators appearing soon after in (source: World Bank, 2011). other major cities, such as Hamburg.

There are several national newspapers, but the press market is strongest at a regional level, with more than 300 titles. The “Bild” is the best-selling tabloid daily. By December 2011 nearly 83% of Germans (67.4 million people) were on line (source: Internet-worldstat). The leading social network is Facebook, with more than 20 million users.

Germany’s export-dependent economy was initially hit hard by the global financial crisis of 2008/9, which triggered the worst recession since 1949. But, by 2010 its exports had helped the country to rebound quicker than most other EU members. However, an ageing population has led to concerns over the continued viability of Germany’s high welfare and health spending. There is also a debate on how to improve integration of the many immigrants, whose labour helped fuel the economic boom. In addition, the former Soviet-dominated east has struggled to catch up with the west since reunification, and people in the west have had to pay a higher than expected Brandenburg Gate, Berlin financial price for unity. So, how is Germany’s self storage industry? In the 1950s Germany was one of the six founding nations of the The German national association for self storage operators is European Economic Community, from which the European the Verband Deutscher Selfstorage Unternehmen e.V., (VDS), Union eventually developed with Germany as a key player. with 74 member facilities (out of 80 to100 facilities). Around Franco-German co-operation was central to European 60% are owned by the six biggest operators: MyPlace (22), economic integration in the 1980s and 1990s. Lagerbox (11), Shurgard (11), Secur (9), Pickens (4) and Germany’s competitive television market is the largest in Europe, Zeitlager (4). with around 34 million TV households. The many regional and Dedicated self storage services first opened in the Munich area national public broadcasters, organised in line with the federal in 1997, with two or three operators appearing soon after in political structure, vie for audiences with powerful commercial other major cities, such as Hamburg. As well as private citizens, operators. Each of the 16 regions regulates its own private and the authorities, banks, and others also became aware of this public broadcasting. growing industry. The companies involved at that time knew Around 90% of German households have cable or satellite TV, each other, but each had different origins, different business and viewers enjoy a comprehensive mix of free-to-view public knowledge with portfolios developed from different perspectives. and commercial channels. This has acted as a brake on the …continued on Page 8 development of pay-TV.

6 7 COUNTRY FEATURE Self Storage Europe Volume 2, 2013 COMPANY FEATURE

Recognising these differences, and realising the need for co- ZeitLager opens new facility in Landshut In October 2012 Roland found a building that was ideal for ordination within the industry, some leading thinkers founded self storage and in November 2012, ZeitLager started the the National Association in 2003. The VDS is also a member In the autumn of 2012, Roland Tubbesing considered opening renovation of the building and the installation of storage units. of FEDESSA, and was proud to host the European Self Storage his first subsidiary facility outside of Munich, where he already The facility comprises an area of approximately 2,500 m² and Conference and Trade Show in Berlin, in June 2010. had three self storage facilities up and running. He looked at has enough space for 156 units in the first building phase. Landshut (Niederbayern), because it is Bavaria’s fastest As the authorities in the major cities received more construction The facility is located close to the city centre and offers easy growing city in terms of economic figures and its direct access applications, it became clear that the self storage concept was access for customers. little known, especially as far as German legislation was to the Munich International Airport, Franz Josef Strauss. concerned. Thus, one of the main tasks of the new association The installation of the storage units was completed in January was to create uniform definitions of the terminology for use in 2013 and the facility was opened on the 29th of January liaising with the authorities. From this, it also became clear that 2013 with plenty of media representatives, neighbours and there was a need to agree quality standards and present a friends attending. Most importantly for a successful opening harmonised picture to customers, in order to sell the concept representatives of Landshut’s television station, radio station and make potential customers aware of the service. and the main local newspapers attended the ceremony, which Since 2009, following much work by FEDESSA and others, the was held in typical Bavarian style with local sausage and German self storage industry is now able to offer a recognised Weißbier, just before noon. industry quality standard DIN EN 15696, particularly for the benefit of its customers. Growth of self storage in Germany German self storage is still in its infancy, in terms of growth. And, certain factors, such as relative conservatism and many people owning a cellar, have hampered that growth; the general opinion is that saturation will not reach UK, French, Dutch or Scandinavian levels. Landshut facility facade During the first decade of the 21st century, the German self storage industry saw a ten-fold increase in terms of volume. The Post Tower in Bonn While this growth has stabilised since the beginning of the global economic crisis, there is still moderate growth in the short to This was a “no-holds-barred” talk, with alarming predictions for medium term, and expectations for the longer-term are very the future European economic situation, if serious austerity positive. measures were not adopted. “The salvation for the self storage industry was that it has been reasonably resilient to the recession. Challenges throughout Europe Also, it is a relatively new industry which meets the needs of Landshut facility Opening Day While Germany’s position remains positive, the future today’s families and consumers; but, this does not mean that throughout Europe is difficult to predict accurately. Wolfgang companies will not have to diversify or adopt different practices. The first radio reports were broadcast and newspaper articles Munchau, an internationally acknowledged expert on sovereign The future is going to be tough, funding will remain tight and it were published within a few days of the opening of the facility. debt, made this clear during a presentation at the last European will be a case of “survival of the fittest,” he continued. Because of this, and its intensive marketing campaign, Self Storage Conference, with a hard-hitting reminder about the ZeitLager is already in a position to welcome its first present general financial turbulence. Details contained in this article have come from a number of media sources. We thank the VDS and Peter Blauw (Lagerbox) customers. Due to the strong occupancy levels in ZeitLager’s “Time for a reality check,” he said, while making his presentation Munich facilities and Landshut’s success, there are plans to on the theme: “Make more out of less or not: the Euro debt for some contributions about the German self storage industry develop further facilities in Bavaria. crisis!” and market. Landshut facility, full length

8 9 COMPANY FEATURE Self Storage Europe Volume 2, 2013 GERMAN OPERATORS

Secur Selfstorage

In 2012 the Secur Selfstorage Group opened its 9th self storage facility in the middle of Berlin. With more than 1,660 storage units and a rentable area of 6,400 m², it is not only one of the biggest facilities in Europe, it is also the first and only self storage facility in Germany that has been awarded a “Green Building” certificate from the European Commission.

Inside the Secur Selfstorage facility Secur Selfstorage has nine facilities: two in Berlin, three in Lagerbox, which opened its first facility in 1997, now has two Resource efficient building materials were used throughout the Hamburg, three in Hannover and one in Sylt. It opened its first facilities in Berlin, two in Köln, two in Düsseldorf and one facility construction phase. And, the Secur Group also invested an facility in 2003 and plans to open two or three new sites in 2013. each in Frankfurt, Essen, Stuttgart, Leipzig and Leverkusen. additional €48,000 in energy efficient heating, ventilation and lighting equipment. This project is not only a statement of the company’s commitment to the environment, but also (and especially in Berlin) its eco-theme meets and exceeds the customers’ requirements. Since opening the facility, the average monthly increase in nett lettable area has been 200 m², which clearly emphasises and validates the decision for self storage to go “green”. Secur Selfstorage’s facility in Berlin

Mein Lager 24 GmbH has one self storage facility in Mannheim. Freiraum-24 has a self storage facility in Lübeck, which it The facility opened in 2008 and there are plans to open a facility opened in 2010. It has plans to open more facilities in in Karlsruhe at the end of 2013, and one in Freiburg in 2014. Kiel and Rostock, possibly with partners.

SpeicherBoxx GmbH has a self storage facility in Giessen (north of The first Shurgard Self Storage facility in Germany was opened in Frankfurt), which opened in 2010. They are partners with BETCO Mönchengladbach in 2003. Shurgard now has a total of 11 in Europe and have plans to expand. facilities in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

10 11 COMPANY FEATURE Self Storage Europe Volume 2, 2013 COMPANY FEATURE

Lagerbox Self Storage, Germany Lagerbox has strong experience in converting upper or cellar SAFEBOX Self Storage, Germany My brother, Arie Bor, and his wife have moved from Holland to floors in previously used department stores. Germany, but they will continue to operate a small conversion SAFEBOX Self Storage is a member of the Verband Deutscher Lagerbox, which was founded in 1997, is the oldest self storage A new economic life has been given to a previous Hertie store of about 250 units in Holland. Selfstorage Unternehmen e.V., (VDS), the German national self operator in the German market. Initially, it was part of the in Berlin (H&M, C&A, Aldi) and a Horten store in Krefeld storage association. When given the opportunity to write a short management deal between Bernheim Comofi (later Access) and (opening in 2014, together with Primark and Toys R Us). Both feature article about his company, Justin Bor, a part owner of the European founder of self storage, Carl Hanauer. Peter in essence are upper floors above second level, which for SAFEBOX, was emphatic about showing his appreciation for the Blauw and partners acquired the German part of the Access traditional retail purposes have become obsolete. This is an help that Martin Brunkhorst continues to give to the German self operation in 2001. In the same year the company was interesting possibility for growth in city areas, where Lagerbox storage industry. Martin Brunkhorst is already known to many in rebranded “Lagerbox”. has gained substantial expertise and is ready for additional Since 2007, Peter Blauw has operated the now family-owned projects. the industry, due to his invaluable input and continuing service “Lagerbox”, with some minority financial partners, for some of for the VDS on the FEDESSA Council; a position he has held for its projects. many years. Lagerbox currently operates 11 facilities, mainly in Nord-Rhein Justin first met Martin about five years ago in Wiesbaden, when Westfalia, with the remaining facilities in Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt he was looking at a new self storage facility that, he believed, and Stuttgart. A significant development programme is already was built under Martin’s supervision or management. set for 2013 and 2014 (with signed deals in place for “Courteous is not the best word I could use; he was much more Dortmund, Krefeld and Chemnitz and a solid pipeline of three than that,” said Justin, adding: “He continues to be a friend and new projects in Berlin). someone who knows the self storage business in Germany and This will make Lagerbox the second biggest operator in in the USA. Every time I call him with a question about the self Germany. storage business in Germany, he has been more than willing to provide an answer; even taking the time to meet with me and my partner to brain-storm.” Justin was sincere when he said: “I have felt guilty for not saying so before, but the offer to write articles about Germany is an excellent opportunity for me to say that Martin has made a major The Lagerbox facility in Düsseldorf contribution, if not the biggest, to the growth of the self storage industry in Germany, and the gratitude owed to him is well- Lagerbox positions itself as a premium self storage operator, deserved.” with additional services (such as: free van trailer, free basic insurance, accepting customer deliveries) and a personal touch As for SAFEBOX, Justin said: “We started in the self storage to its customer services approach. Lagerbox’s managing business about six years ago in Germany, having bought an old partner, Peter Blauw, is also co-founder/director in the Russian chain factory in Bielefeld with the assistance of Strassberger self storage start-up firm “SafeSpace”. Immobilien and Sparr Kassa Bielefeld. Since then, we have increased our units from 350 to 650 (including offices and several commercial units) and now have three facilities, with a The photographs accompanying this article are of our newest Advertising in Focus (Europe Section) few more in the pipeline. facility in Mönchengladbach.” If you would like to place an advertisement in the Europe We are now in the process of converting an old manufacturing section of the next edition of the SSA UK’s Focus magazine, facility, which comprises approximately 40,000 m2 of storage I have built several self storage facilities in the USA and I still live The Lagerbox facility in Leverkusen please contact Stan McKerron at: [email protected] for space, including office and commercial units. When finished, there. However, I now spend a lot more time in Germany, as I firmly believe that this is where my greatest opportunities in self Lagerbox primarily focuses on conversion projects, but has built an Advertising Pack. it will have about 1,500 storage units, located in storage lie,” Justin concluded. in Leipzig and will purpose build in Dortmund as well. Also, Mönchengladbach.

12 13 COMPANY FEATURE Self Storage Europe Volume 2, 2013 FEDESSA NEWS

Pickens Selfstorage Martyn Dickinson joins Gliderol focussing on sales and contracts. Martyn has also been involved in many projects from small unit fit-outs through to Pickens Selfstorage started business in 2009 and now operates Gliderol Self Storage Solutions warmly welcomes Martyn complete turnkey projects, both in the UK and Europe. three newly-built facilities in Germany, with two in Berlin and Dickinson as their new Business Development Manager, Martyn said: “I consider Gliderol Self Storage Solutions as a one in Hamburg. All three facilities have about 1,500 storage covering the UK and Europe. Martyn joined the team in early company that has great products backed up by superb units, ranging in size from 1 to 20 m2, plus some larger units up January 2013 and will be working from the Gliderol Self customer service. Gliderol is a quality manufacturer with a to 80 m2 for commercial customers at its Berlin-Tempelhof Storage Solutions sales office in the south west of England. modern manufacturing facility in the UK. It has a great team facility. spirit in everything it does. I bring with me a wealth of The six-storey facilities have the following security features: gates knowledge and experience from concept evaluation through with access-control; access-control at entrances to buildings; to completion of projects.” lifts with access control to assigned floors; CCTV and a daily Martyn also said: “We are still seeing new entrants into the security guard patrols at 10 pm when the facilities are closed. self storage industry, which is encouraging. Self storage is Pickens Selfstorage was the first self storage operator to an excellent investment business and has been very resilient introduce wine storage in Germany. Both in Berlin and during tough times. I have seen existing operators starting Hamburg, wine lovers find a special climate controlled area for to expand with 2nd or 3rd phases and also new projects over safe and ideal wine storage. Pickens Selfstorage Wine Storage the last 18 months. I would have to say the fit-out market is In the summer of 2013, Pickens Selfstorage will introduce this expansion. not as buoyant in the UK as it was a few years ago; however, “CityStorage” yet another new concept in Germany. This service Pickens Selfstorage has been a member of the German Self the business in mainland Europe is quite healthy.” offers storage possibilities in the city centre, accommodating the Storage Association since 2008. Wolfgang Köhnk, MD of needs of urban life. The unit sizes will only go up to 4 or 5 m2, Pickens, has been chairman of the German Association since thus attending to the need for fast and easily accessible storage 2011. “in the neighbourhood”. The CityStorage in Berlin-Wilmersdorf Part of the company’s corporate identity is its support of the city’s will attract mainly private customers and many artists, galleries local animal shelter. The yearly “Tierisch gute Sammelaktion” (a and art collectors especially in Berlin. beastly good fundraising) has now been a success for four years, Another two facilities will be opened in Hamburg and Berlin in collecting large amounts of food and toy donations for cats and 2013. WeinStorage and CityStorage will continue to be part of dogs.

Peter O’Loughlin, Gliderol’s MD, said: “Gliderol is growing; we are going forward at a pace. And, we need the professional qualities and experience that Martyn brings with him, to ensure that we continue to offer our customers a high quality service. Martyn will be working closely with our Sales Martyn Dickinson, Business Development Manager Director, Graham Lomax. I am sure they will make an Martyn firmly believes that self storage will continue to grow exciting team and take Gliderol further into the market place in the UK, and in mainland Europe, as more and more as the high quality, self storage manufacturing and people begin to understand the self storage concept. “It is construction company that’s second to none.” still surprising to me the number of people who still do not Martyn has a strong background of working in the understand what self storage is, or how they can use it. But, construction industry. He has exclusively worked in the self as time goes on, this will change,” he continued. storage industry, covering the UK and Europe for many years, Pickens Selfstorage Shop Pickens Selfstorage Loading Area

14 15 17 Self Storage Europe COMPANY FEATURE COMPANY FEATURE Volume 2, 2013

Shurgard Self Storage MyPlace-SelfStorage expands Shurgard Self Storage opened its first self storage facility in Belgium in 1997, and As the market leader in German speaking Europe, MyPlace-SelfStorage currently since then it has built a network of storage facilities across seven European markets operates 35 self storage facilities, with ten facilities in Austria, 23 in Germany and with 189 facilities. It’s goal is to offer customer satisfaction, and to provide the best two in Switzerland. When it was founded in 1999, MyPlace first had to set the storage solutions for its customers’ needs. pace for the self storage industry in the German market by explaining its service to Shurgard expanded into Germany in 2003, opening its first facility in prospective customers and awakening a dormant requirement for the service. In Mönchengladbach. It now has eleven facilities across key cities in the North Rhine- the next phase (2005 to 2009) the company focused on strong growth, in order Westphalia region (Essen, Düsseldorf, Bonn, Köln, Wuppertal, Krefeld and to gain the market leadership. Mönchengladbach). This was followed (2009 to 2011) by a period of consistent consolidation and the Germany has been a strong market for Shurgard, and as a result it has invested filling of the existing capacity. Since 2011, MyPlace has focused on controlled in several projects to provide additional storage spaces, in response to the needs growth to safeguard and expand its market leadership in all target regions, i.e. of its German customers. Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Zurich. With an expected business volume of €29 million in 2013, 18,000 Shurgard’s latest project in 2012 focused on Düsseldorf-Heerdt, where over two customers and 32% of the market share, MyPlace-SelfStorage is the uncontested months and with an investment of €100k it constructed 121 storage units, covering market leader in German speaking Europe. 479 m². The new unit mix offers more smaller sized units, in response to its customers’ requests. Martin Gerhardus, founding shareholder and CEO of MyPlace, explained his strategy: “We are working on developing one additional facility every year in one Germany continues to be a stable market and Shurgard is currently investing in of our target regions, or buying existing competitors; our assessment is that the updating the appearance of its facilities. German speaking market is still growing, slowly but steadily.”

MyPlace’s facility in Wiesbaden, Germany

Shurgard Self Storage’s Köln Facility

MyPlace’s facility in Reinickendorf, Berlin

The typical MyPlace-SelfStorage facility has an average size of approximately 5,000 m2 rentable space and has about 800 to 1,000 units, with many different size options (ranging from 1 to 50 m2). The average investment volume per facility amounts to €6 to €7 million. In total MyPlace has around 33,000 storage units in Austria, Germany and Switzerland; 80% of its customers are private and 20% are business clients. Shurgard Self Storage’s Düsseldorf-Heerdt Facility

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