Penny Romania Invests €35m In New Logistics Centre

Photo: REWE

This facility is a significant step forward in the retailer’s commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability, marking the first logistics centre in its network to operate entirely without gas heating, ESM Magazine reports.

The new 22,000-square-metre warehouse integrates a suite of innovative, sustainable solutions.

It relies exclusively on waste heat recovery and heat pumps, supplemented by 800 kWp photovoltaic panels, for self-consumption.

Advanced Management System

The centre includes two double-charging stations for electric cars, a smart LED lighting system with presence and adaptive intensity sensors, and an advanced building management system (BMS), for comprehensive energy consumption monitoring.

Daniel Gross, CEO of Penny Romania, explained, “The expansion and modernisation of our logistics infrastructure are essential to support the growth of the network and to respond more efficiently to customer needs. Through this project, we confirm our commitment to operational efficiency and responsible development.”

The centre is designed to serve 50 stores by the end of 2025 and 100 by 2027.

It includes specialised areas for reception, storage and shipping, covering the entire product chain, from frozen goods and fresh meat to vegetables and fruits, all managed under controlled-temperature conditions.

Dan Crişan, COO of Penny Romania, added, “We aimed to build a warehouse that meets high standards of efficiency, safety and sustainability, using state-of-the-art technical solutions. The fact that it is the first Penny logistics centre without gas heating demonstrates the constant concern for innovation and for reducing the impact on the environment.”

This new logistics hub complements Penny’s existing infrastructure in Romania, which includes centres in Ștefăneștii de Jos, Turda, Bacău and Filiași.

The strategic location in Mihăilești was chosen due to its expansion potential and existing road infrastructure.

Ambitious Expansion

Penny Romania plans to invest approximately €3 billion over the next ten years, a significant increase compared to the €1 billion invested between 2014 and 2024.

These investments are primarily aimed at expanding the store network to a total of 619 Penny outlets by 2029 and extending its logistics network to six regional centres, while the long-term objective is to reach 1,000 stores.

Over the last decade, Penny Romania has experienced sustained growth, with its turnover nearly quadrupling (+304%) from RON 2.33 billion (€468.0 million) in 2014 to RON 9.44 billion (€1.9 billion) in 2024, according to data analysed by Profit.ro.

Net profit surged almost twentyfold (+1,878%) during the same period, reaching RON 224.9 million (€45.2 million) in 2024.

The company’s average annual turnover growth over the last decade has exceeded 14.7%.

REWE Group also plans to introduce the BIPA drugstore chain to the Romanian market, with the first store expected to open in 2026.