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10 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL19, 2021 | LOGISTICS & DISTRIBUTIONS Build-to-suit & spec buildings offer broad scope of benefits A s companies increasingly turn to Connecticut for warehouse space, one developer whose company has been prolific in the state with over 5 million square feet built in the past five years said there are several standard selling points. Daniel Madrigal, senior development manager at Indianapolis-based Scannell Properties, noted that each site is different, but that there are key considerations that companies generally take into account when they seek a warehouse and distribution facility here. Overall Location Anyone with industry knowledge notes that easy access to major highways is critical to accommodate a business's logistics needs, and Madrigal agrees. "It's all about time on and off major intersections, and having multiple lanes is ideal to keep traffic flowing," he said. Madrigal said tenants generally prefer to be near other industrial users for the comfort of knowing others are already there. But with the supply of large swaths of land available for industrial development dwindling, it's not a requirement. "We want to make sure it works for the town, so really, placement is very important overall," Madrigal said. "A lot of factors go in [to choosing a site], and it's all about making sure it helps it all function appropriately for the local residents and town." In the past, he has noted the importance of having strong relationships with state and local officials. Scannell has worked particularly close with South Windsor leaders, finding the town attractive for development due to its availability of open land, quick and easy access to I-91 and I-84 and its pro-business environment. Within the six warehouse and distribution facilities it has built in the town, tenants include Coca-Cola, Home Depot and Mobis Parts America. Bigger Buildings Reign When it comes to the buildings themselves, bigger is usually better, particularly for Fortune 500 companies, Madrigal said. The bigger the buildings are, the more dock doors they can accommodate, which is an important selling point for many companies as they can get trucks in and out more efficiently. They also typically require trailer parking, which Madrigal said older warehouses in the area don't offer. He said that due to land constraints, developers are building up rather than out to be more efficient as well. By Jacquelyn Gutc