A strategic gateway opens near Sopron – The topping-out ceremony has taken place at the logistics centre next to the M85

One of Sopron’s most significant economic investments has reached a milestone. A topping-out ceremony was held on 1 April at the logistics centre, covering some 23,000 square metres, which is being built alongside the M85 motorway. The development, being built by MERKBAU Építőipari és Kereskedelmi Zrt. is not only outstanding in terms of its size but also of significant strategic importance: it fills a long-standing gap in the logistics infrastructure of western Hungary.

The project developer is the Central European property fund, which has entrusted the Waberer’s Group’s property development division, Waberer’s Propertyt, with the comprehensive project management of the development.

A significant investment in terms of both scale and technical complexity

Speakers at the ceremony highlighted the significance of the logistics centre, covering nearly 23,000 square metres, currently under construction on the outskirts of Sopron; its topping-out ceremony marks not only a milestone in the construction process but also an important stage in the economic development of the region.

György Szucsány, Director of Property Development at the Waberer’s Group, emphasised in his speech that the topping-out ceremony is a centuries-old tradition, the oldest celebration in which the builder and the client celebrate together. He highlighted the future of the logistics sector, which he believes „lies in multimodality, digitalisation and sustainable services”, as well as the fact that the investment can contribute to the region’s economic development.

András Riegler, CEO of GYSEV CARGO Zrt., explained that the investment responds to a specific market need, as the company had outgrown its existing capacity. The 23,000-square-metre warehouse will ensure the conditions for operation in the long term, for at least 15 years. He also emphasised the role of cooperation, highlighting the support of investors, contractors and the city. At the end of his speech, he pointed out: „Logistics is an area in Hungary that can absolutely be built upon.”

Dr Ciprián Farkas, Mayor of Sopron, placed the investment in a broader context, emphasising that „we are not merely witnessing the completion of a building, but are standing on the threshold of a new era.” He highlighted the role of the M85 expressway, which laid the foundations for similar developments, whilst the logistics centre is a „strategic gateway to the world of international freight transport.” He regarded the presence of GYSEV as a guarantee of stability and pointed out that logistics is not an abstract concept, but „jobs, livelihoods, development and security.”

Attila Mészáros, Deputy Managing Director of MERKBAU Zrt., shed light on the project from the construction perspective. He recalled that they had won the contract following a tough competitive tender process and have since been working on a complex, large-scale development. As he put it, „what lies behind us is the collective achievement of a huge number of people,” involving designers, engineers, contractors and manual labourers alike. Although they have faced numerous challenges during construction, they always find a solution. He added that the building is significant not only in terms of its size but also in its state-of-the-art technical features, and he confirmed that the handover deadline is on track according to plan.

At the end of the ceremony, in keeping with tradition, the bouquet poem by Gergő Bőti was recited by the project leader of MERKBAU Zrt..

„We’ve come to celebrate; look, the house stands tall,

It has doors and windows; it forms a beautiful, large building.

The bricklayer laid the bricks, the carpenter fitted them,

May it last a long time; God willing.

The roof protects from the rain, and the walls from the wind,

May God alone grant us lasting refuge.”

Strengthening East-West relations plays a key role

The significance of the Sopron development lies primarily in its location. The M85–M86 motorway network already provides the necessary transport infrastructure, but a modern logistics centre has been lacking in the region until now. This investment fills that gap and will help Sopron become a key hub for east–west freight traffic.

The facility is one of the region’s – if not the largest – investment projects, which has the potential to boost economic activity along the border and strengthen the international logistics network in the long term.

Development tailored to tenants' needs

The future tenant of the hall is GYSEV CARGO Zrt.,, whose logistics requirements played a decisive role right from the design phase. The developer provided a full set of data, meaning that consultation was only required on a few key points during construction. The rapid and efficient flow of processes significantly aided the progress of the project.

The project is expected to be completed by 28 July 2026, although the tenant will be able to take possession of the premises as early as 1 July in order to begin installing shelving systems and moving in.

The complex is structurally complete

Construction is currently around 43 per cent complete. The building has reached the structural completion stage, whilst work on the façade and roof is proceeding in parallel. The installation of the façade windows and doors is underway, and the smoke extraction skylights have already been fitted.

The interior work is also at an advanced stage:

• the installation of the sprinkler system and the fire alarm system is progressing well,
• installation of the cable trays and lighting support structures in the hall has begun,
• In addition, specialist construction work on the office and reception building is due to start shortly.

Meanwhile, in the outer areas, the permanent fencing is being erected, utility works are underway, and work has begun on laying the base layers of the roads.

Complex engineering solutions due to ground conditions

During construction, the water-swelling clay soil found on site posed a significant technical challenge. To address this, a reinforced soil stabilisation layer with a higher binder content was created, and deepened foundations were used.

In addition, a drainage system is being installed to drain off groundwater, ensuring the building’s long-term stability and operational safety.

BREEAM certification and solar panels

The project places particular emphasis on environmental awareness. The building must meet the strict requirements of the BREEAM „Very Good” certification, which already dictated the solutions adopted during the design phase.

A 250 kWp solar panel system will be installed on the roof of the hall, which will contribute significantly to energy-efficient operation. Furthermore, the structures and materials used also comply with sustainability standards.

In addition, the building must also meet the requirements for Access4You Silver certification, which signifies a high level of accessibility, thereby helping to create the conditions for inclusive and efficient working.