Prologis to deliver Italy’s largest Prologis Essentials transformation project at Prologis Park Piacenza for Cencora

Prologis, the global leader in logistics real estate, announces the launch of the largest Prologis Essentials transformation ever delivered in Italy.

This will convert the 22,077 sqm Piacenza DC5 facility into a highly specialized pharmaceutical logistics hub for Cencora, a global healthcare solutions company.

Image: Cencora

The project is focused on the facility’s technical and operational conversion, reflecting the scale and complexity required to operate within one of the most highly regulated segments of the logistics industry.

The GDP-compliant facility will strengthen Cencora’s ability to store, handle and distribute pharmaceutical products in Italy, while expanding its European logistics network and integrated services for manufacturers globally. Through its 3PL capabilities and commercialization solutions, Cencora supports efficient, compliant supply chain operations, commercial success and reliable access to products.

Developed by Prologis Essentials through an integrated turnkey approach, the project will transform an existing logistics facility into a GDP-compliant warehouse for high-frequency distribution and cold-chain logistics across Europe, including 15°C–25°C temperature control and a 2,000 m² cold storage area maintained at 2°C–8°C.

The facility will also be equipped with high-density shelving systems capable of accommodating almost 44,000 pallets, with the support of VNA trolleys designed for high-intensity picking operations. The construction of a metal safety cage of approximately 2,200 m² is also planned, intended for the storage of high-value pharmaceutical products.

In parallel, Prologis Essentials will manage all permits and regulatory compliance requirements, alongside a full upgrade of the electrical infrastructure and building systems. As supply chains become more specialized and regulatory requirements more complex, the ability to reposition existing logistics assets into mission-critical operational platforms represents a tangible competitive advantage.

Matteo Liccioli, Essential Solutions Manager, commented: “Pharmaceutical logistics is one of the most demanding sectors in terms of operational and regulatory standards. The real complexity of a project like this lies not in any single intervention, but in the ability to bring together design, building systems, storage solutions, permitting, regulatory compliance and operational timelines. This is where the Prologis Essentials model delivers value: the customer benefits from a single point of contact, while we coordinate the full range of expertise required to take the facility from its initial configuration to full operational readiness. This approach allows us to reduce the number of interfaces and simplify project management for the customer, while maintaining a comprehensive view of the project and its objectives.”

Pedro Pereira, Vice President and Regional Managing Director of Italy, Spain and Portugal, for Cencora 3PL, commented, “Italy is a key market for pharmaceutical and specialty medicines, where manufacturers need logistics infrastructure that can support increasingly complex requirements. Expanding our 3PL network in Piacenza enables us to support growing demand for specialized pharmaceutical logistics services in the Italian market, while strengthening our pan-European capabilities. By combining additional capacity with temperature-controlled infrastructure and technology-enabled operations, we can help manufacturers scale with confidence, distribute products safely and compliantly, and bring more therapies to patients.”

The facility meets Prologis’ high sustainability standards, including 350 kWp photovoltaic system, high-efficiency LED lighting and electric vehicle-ready infrastructure. Piacenza DC5 is part of Prologis Park Piacenza, developed according to the PARKlife™ philosophy, which enhances both operational efficiency and workplace well-being by integrating shared spaces, services and sustainable mobility solutions within the logistics environment.

Already fully leased, Prologis Park Piacenza stands as a strategic logistics platform in one of Italy’s most dynamic corridors. This new Essentials agreement further reinforces Prologis’ positioning as a long-term infrastructure partner capable of integrating real estate, operational expertise and regulatory compliance to support highly specialised industries.

Source: Cencora