Find exactly what you are looking for

  • Select your location and language

  • Bild_PI_GRID
    • News
    • PR

    “THE GRID” in Essen handed over to DB Schenker

    Keys handed over by project developers KÖLBL KRUSE and lessor WealthCap • DB Schenker moves into new headquarters • 730 employees will now work directly beside Essen central train station.

    Keys handed over by project developers KÖLBL KRUSE and lessor WealthCap • DB Schenker moves into new headquarters • 730 employees will now work directly beside Essen central train station.

    Deutsche Bahn received the symbolic key to the new DB Schenker headquarters “THE GRID” today. The key was handed over by KÖLBL KRUSE, the project owner and developer, and WealthCap, the future lessor. The new building at Kruppstrasse 4, directly beside Essen central train station, will replace the logistics company’s eight previous business premises, which were located all over the city. The new head office can already accommodate 730 employees and the figure is expected to rise to 900 over the long term.

    Bild_PI_GRID
    Bild_PI_GRID / © DB Schenker, krischerfotografie

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by Michael Groschek, Minister of Building, Housing, Urban Development and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dr. Rüdiger Grube, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, Thomas Kufen, Mayor of the City of Essen, Jochen Thewes, Chairman of the Management Board of Schenker AG, Jessica Borchardt of bn Architekten, Hamburg, Stephan Kölbl and Dr. Marcus Kruse, Managing Partners of KÖLBL KRUSE GmbH, and Gabriele Volz, Managing Director of WealthCap, which purchased the building from KÖLBL KRUSE.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Michael Groschek said, “By setting up its corporate headquarters in Essen, Schenker AG – one of the world’s largest providers of logistics services – is unambiguously demonstrating its confidence in North Rhine-Westphalia as a central goods and transportation hub for Germany and Europe. The logistics industry is one of the prime movers when it comes to promoting structural change in this region. DB Schenker’s decision to build its headquarters in Essen underlines its appreciation of the logistics competence available here. It is also a clear endorsement of the excellent transport connections and efficient networking of the different transport modes in this federal state. Coping with the increasing demand for transit and private traffic remains the greatest challenge facing North Rhine-Westphalia and all the actors involved.”

    Dr. Rüdiger Grube commented: “This new building effectively symbolizes the deep links that connect Deutsche Bahn and the City of Essen. In future, DB Schenker will use the new headquarters to coordinate its successful business with around 700,000 customers worldwide. This will benefit the City of Essen, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and, last but not least, railroad customers throughout Germany.”

    Mayor Thomas Kufen added, “Today’s ceremony to hand over the keys to THE GRID perfectly illustrates why Essen is an important and strong economic location. I am delighted that Deutsche Bahn AG and Schenker AG are making this strong statement of their trust in Essen as a business location. THE GRID will be a new flagship for our city and is sure to fascinate large numbers of visitors.”

    Jochen Thewes said, “We wish to make DB Schenker faster, more efficient and powerful and to promote team spirit amongst our staff. The new building fits in perfectly with these plans: I am delighted that the employees from our previous eight different locations in Essen are now united under one roof in a modern, open-plan office.”

    Stephan Kölbl and Dr. Marcus Kruse, Managing Partners of KÖLBL KRUSE GmbH summed up: “Perfect location, perfect building, perfect tenant.”

    The building was based on plans drawn up by the Hamburg company bn Architekten and takes the form of a double-X. The interior concept was designed by DB Immobilien in close consultation with DB Schenker as the future user. The transparency and openness of the “Open Space” philosophy promotes more spontaneous contacts, closer proximity to team members and executives and consequently better communication.

    The gross floor area of almost 30,000 square meters is spread over eight stories of offices and also includes a company restaurant. Another two stories serve as an underground car park with space for 220 vehicles.

    Consent to use Cookies and collect data

    We use cookies in order to optimize our website and continually improve it. For this we use amongst others Adobe Analytics. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can find further information on cookies and how to opt out in our privacy policy.

  • Cookies and tracking scripts

    We want to give you the opportunity to make an informed decision for or against the use of cookies, which are not mandatory for the technical functions of the website. Cookies are small text files in which personal data can be stored.

    Our privacy policy is intended to ensure that you are fully aware of the collection and processing of data, including through the use of cookies through our sites, and that you can make a decision that is appropriately informed. However you can change your cookie settings at any time.

    Please find further information within our data privacy policy.