The Illinois Economic Development Corporation and Ameren Illinois have launched a new pilot scheme called the Ameren Site Acceleration Program. This initiative aims to speed up the preparation of development-ready land across central and southern Illinois. By focusing on three specific sites in Champaign, Decatur, and Ottawa, the partners hope to attract major corporate investments and industrial expansions.
Barings has expanded its Australian industrial footprint with the off-market acquisition of the Smithfield Industrial Estate in Sydney. Purchased through the BRAVA V fund, the estate covers nearly 57,000 square metres and supports 52 tenancies. The site is strategically located near Parramatta and major freight corridors, offering significant value-add potential. This deal is one of three initial Sydney investments for the fund, which now totals A$686 million in assets.
Webstar Technology Group and Forge Atlanta Asset Management have secured a 10-acre site in Downtown Atlanta, marking the start of the 8.4 million square foot Forge Atlanta district. The project is expected to generate over $7.37 billion in economic impact and create thousands of jobs. Phase I will deliver a 300-room hotel, luxury condominiums, and extensive retail space. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Emirates Global Aluminium and Sunstone have announced a $300 million joint venture to build a major anode manufacturing plant in the UAE. Scheduled for construction in 2026, the facility will produce 300,000 tonnes of anodes annually, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imports. The project marks Sunstone's first manufacturing expansion outside of China and is a key part of the UAE's Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.
Holcim has announced a major expansion in Latin America through the acquisition of a majority stake in Cementos Pacasmayo for USD 1.5 billion. The deal brings a leading Peruvian building materials producer into the Holcim portfolio, adding 5 million tons of annual cement capacity and 28 concrete plants. Projected to close in the first half of 2026, the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share.
ESR-REIT Management (S) Limited has agreed to divest a portfolio of eight non-core Singapore industrial properties for S$338.1 million. The sale represents a 2.0% premium to the independent valuation. The transaction is a key part of the REIT’s Portfolio Rejuvenation and Capital Recycling strategies.
![[IRHM] logo](https://irhmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IRHM-AWARDS-2025-1024x683.jpg)
