Panama Canal Expansion, E-Commerce and Global Investment Push 2016 Industrial Growth

Inland Empire industrial growth is going to increase next year, along with other major distribution hubs across the nation, according to a recent JLL report.

As e-commerce and consumer desire for same-day and even same-hour delivery skyrocket, demand for urban facilities follows suit. Additionally, global investment, amounting for $11.5 billion in total investment at the end of Q3 2015, has left a huge footprint in the race for industrial capital in the nation. The Panama Canal’s nearly complete expansion will also drive the demand in the industrial sector as it calls for even more efficient distribution centers.

Craig Meyer, president of industrial brokerage for JLL Americas, said that demand will outpace supply, and vacancy rates will be very tight in the Inland Empire, and in other areas. Due to the high competition, several developments are being pre-leased, especially by foreign investors, before ground is even broken.