An investment by Omniva: the logistics centre is set to double in size

The postal and logistics company Omniva has announced a procurement to expand its logistics centre. The centre in Rae rural municipality will increase by almost 11,000 square metres, becoming one of the largest, most modern, and most environmentally friendly logistics centres in the Baltics. The winner of the design procurement will be responsible for the main design of the expansion of the logistics centre.

According to Kristi Unt, member of the Management Board of Omniva, the expansion of the logistics centre is one of the company’s biggest investments in the near future. ‘This is a forward-looking and long-term investment. We are creating a complete centre where, considering the growing parcel volumes, nearly 24,000 square metres will be enough space and have everything needed for the quick and automated sorting of parcels. We have planned the construction of the expansion so that it would be sustainable for years to come.’
The logistics centre on Rukki Road was completed at the end of 2018 and has production and storage facilities for sorting parcels as well as auxiliary rooms with a total area of approximately 13,000 m², where more than 90% of the parcels are sorted by an automated sorting line. The expansion is necessary to bring the sorting lines for periodicals, letters, and advertising, currently operating in an outdated building on Pallasti Street in Tallinn, to the Rukki Road logistics centre. ‘By merging production units, we can create synergies in terms of work processes and activities and increase their efficiency. In addition, we will create better and modern working conditions for our employees, including rest rooms for people with reduced mobility,’ added Kristi Unt.
 
According to Evert Rööpson, Head of Operations of Omniva, the company is looking for a reliable and experienced partner. ‘The winner of the procurement will have to design the main project of the logistics centre expansion, which has to meet all modern technical requirements and innovation solutions, and link it to the existing building,’ Rööpson said.
 
A large part of the electricity needs of the logistics centre is covered with solar panels. A total of 1,667 monocrystalline panels have been installed on the roof of the centre, covering an area of almost one and a half football pitches (10,000 m²). ‘The design of systems has to take into account the requirements for the sustainable use of energy and other resources, both in construction and in the use of the building. Our expectation is that the heating, electricity, cooling, and ventilation systems of the expansion will be designed in the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient way possible,’ Evert Rööpson emphasised.
 
Charging infrastructure for electric cars is also planned for the building, as Omniva plans to significantly increase the number of electric cars in the coming years. The number of electric cars will increase to 50 this year to ensure environmentally friendly mail and parcel delivery.
 
The invitation to tender has been published in the Public Procurement Register and  tenders are accepted until 4 April. The aim is to sign a contract with the winner of the tender in April. The design is expected to be finalised this year and a construction tender will be announced. If all goes according to plan, the expansion will be completed by the end of 2024.