"We're pleased to have developed a facility that meets modernClass A industrial standards," says Guy Jaquier, AMB's presidentfor the Europe and Asia sectors. Jaquier calls the GM agreement a"milestone" for the hulking project, which is in the GonesseIndustrial Park. Product quality was a key reason GM tabbed Gonesseafter a site search throughout the greater Paris market, offersJaquier. Besides extensive clear heights and loading docks, AMBGonesse is equipped with state-of-the-art fire safety/suppressionand security features.

The GM space will be used to supplant an outmoded logisticsoperation through which spare parts are shipped to support the autogiant's Opel division. Besides providing quick access to theCharles de Gaulle International Airport four miles away, the newbuilding is close to Le Bourget Airport and Paris City Center viathe immediately adjacent A1 motorway. The other pre-lease at AMBGonesse, signed in March, is for 118,000 sf, or about 20% of thebuilding.

France has become a significant international market for AMBthis decade. The San Francisco-based real estate investment trustcontrols a portfolio exceeding 128 million sf in 40 markets and 13countries. AMB recently opened an office in the City of Lights,reflecting the company's belief in the region, and now has morethan 2.5 million sf concentrated in the Lyon and Paris markets.Throughout Europe, AMB has operating and development ventures inBelgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.