Hartz completes 3.2 million s/f in leases during first half of 2011

With more than 3.2 million s/f of industrial space leased, the 2nd quarter of 2011 has set a record for Hartz Mountain Industries, which leased more industrial space in first half of 2011 than it had since 2006. Hartz's president and COO, Emanuel Stern credited the long-term stability of the region's warehouse market with the recent surge of activity. "The strength of the industrial market reflects a recovering economy and points to the appeal of logistical real estate in the Meadowlands area," said Stern. "We are seeing evidence that our region has stabilized while others remain challenged. This is a good leading indicator of the commercial real estate market and possible regional recovery, but a better reflection of our strategic advantages." Recent lease highlights include a 114,168 s/f lease to Empire Auto Parts, Inc. which took the entire building at 15 Jackson Rd. in Wayne. This transaction was represented by Bill Waxman and Mindy Lissener of CBRE. Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. has leased 32,000 s/f office space. Hartz Mountain was represented in-house, while the tenant's brokers were Fred Brunswick and James Yamauchi from Cushman & Wakefield. "The nature of our client's business - freight forwarding and logistics - requires an easily accessible location near to ports, airports and warehousing," said Fred Brunswick of Cushman & Wakefield. "300 Lighting Way satisfies these needs, while also providing top quality office space. We look forward to collaborating with Hartz on future deals." Among the many leases and renewals through the first half of this year, Hartz secured these noteworthy deals in recent weeks: * In North Bergen, trucking company, National Retail Transportation leased 224,000 s/f. * Presidio, a leader in the high-end garment industry, leased 160,000 s/f in Secaucus. * IDS, a logistics provider, leased 146,000 sq. ft. from Hartz in Secaucus. * In Jersey City, Hartz leased 115,000 s/f to Fabuwood, which features quality imported kitchen cabinetry and design. The broker in this transaction was Raymond Musalo, Greiner- Maltz. * GE, a technology, services and finance company, leased 114,000 s/f in Hanover. * Essex Grain, a food ingredient distributor in Linden, leased 98,000 s/f. * In Secaucus, E Fashions in the apparel industry, leased 92,000 s/f. * Retail Logistics, a warehousing and distribution partner, leased 91,000 s/f in Wayne. * In Weehawken 12,000 s/f will be occupied by Origin Digital, a leading global IP broadcasting company whose broker was Sarah Jones Maturo of CBRE. * M. Auerbach of the food and beverage industry, leased 60,000 s/f from Hartz in Secaucus.