Tönnies is constructing residential units.
Tönnies Unveils Employee Housing Initiative Blueprints for Individual, Dual-Occupancy, and Family Residences Rheda-Wiedenbrück, July 28, 2020 – The Tönnies Group announced its forthcoming housing strategy for its workforce on Tuesday, emphasizing the provision of quality living spaces for future direct hires. The initiative underscores the company's shift towards employing staff directly in its primary production sectors by January 1, 2021. Currently, a significant portion of Tönnies' workforce resides in leased properties, with about 30% living in accommodations supplied by contracting firms. The company is now set to focus on developing new residences for this demographic. Daniel Nottbrock, Managing Director at Tönnies Holding, highlighted the importance of decent housing in fostering community integration and a robust bond with the locale. "Our aim is to cultivate a lasting affiliation between our employees and Tönnies through the provision of quality, affordably priced housing," he stated. The housing model is inspired by student lodgings in Lemgo (Lippe district), serving as a standard for the proposed employee accommodations. Tönnies revealed plans to construct similar quality housing within the local municipalities during a press briefing on Tuesday. The housing scheme includes three categories: single occupancy apartments, double occupancy apartments, and larger units for families. The approach integrates the development of new buildings with the leasing of existing properties, adhering to specific criteria regarding size and amenities. For larger families, Tönnies aims to offer spacious apartments in pre-existing structures. "We're looking to provide a smooth transition for our employees through single or double occupancy living spaces, with a vision for their long-term integration into the community and workforce," Nottbrock elaborated, expressing optimism for the swift realization of these projects in local towns. The newly designed accommodations will cater to individuals and pairs, with double occupancy apartments measuring approximately 27 m^2 and costing between EUR 400 and 450 monthly, inclusive of heating—translating to EUR 200 to 225 per occupant. Single occupancy units will span around 16 m^2, with a total monthly rent of about EUR 300, including heating. Each apartment will feature a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and come fully furnished with appliances. Additionally, each building will house communal areas equipped with leisure and laundry facilities, alongside a storage cellar. Regular maintenance of shared spaces and property management services are part of the package. To expedite the construction process, Tönnies has engaged with local municipalities, reaching out to 21 mayors directly. "We have a ready-to-go plan and could submit a construction application within two weeks. We now require building sites in the towns and districts to bring this project to fruition," Nottbrock remarked, noting the initiative's potential to alleviate local housing pressures. The selection of sites will prioritize accessibility to supermarkets and the workplace, facilitating more efficient transportation for employees.