All you need to know about BTS – Built to suit Warehouses

What is a Built to Suit Warehouse?
Imagine ordering a warehouse like you would a tailored suit – custom-designed to fit every operational need of your business. That’s essentially what a Built to Suit warehouse is.

Instead of moving into an existing facility, a company partners with a developer to construct a new warehouse that’s designed specifically for them. Every detail – from the floor strength to the ceiling height, number of loading docks, temperature control, and even the office space inside – is planned around their workflow.

This approach has gained massive popularity across sectors that can’t afford to compromise on efficiency or safety.

Why Do Companies Choose Built to Suit Warehouses?
The simple answer: control and customization.
Here are a few core reasons companies opt for Built to Suit warehouse facilities:

• Specialized Needs: When businesses deal with cold chain storage, automation, hazardous materials, or time-critical logistics, standard warehousing just doesn’t cut it.
• Zero Compromise on Specs: With a Built to Suit warehouse, the company gets exactly what it needs — no retrofitting or costly alterations later.
• Long-Term Vision: Companies looking at 10 or 15 year growth strategies want to invest in infrastructure that supports their scale and complexity.

Who Can Typically Go for Built to Suit Warehouses?
Here are the major categories of businesses actively seeking Built to Suit warehouse models:

• E-commerce & Quick Commerce Giants (Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit): Need massive, high-tech facilities with robotic sorting, conveyor systems, and huge storage volumes.
• 3PL & Logistics Companies (DHL, FM Logistic, Delhivery): Require layout customization for optimal loading, vehicle circulation, and dock-to-door efficiency.
• Retail Chains & FMCG Brands (Reliance Retail, D-Mart): Look for Built to Suit warehouse setups with temperature zones, dispatch centers, and organized inventory management areas.
• Automobile OEMs and Ancillaries (Tata Motors, Hyundai suppliers): Need heavy-duty floors, wide turning radii etc
• Pharma & Cold Chain: With strict temperature and humidity controls, these companies rely heavily on Built to Suit warehousing for compliance and operational performance.

Key Advantages of Built to Suit Warehouses for Occupiers

• Made-to-Order Design: Total control over specifications like clear height, racking layout, and dock positions.
• Optimized Efficiency: Better workflow, faster order fulfillment, and reduced material handling costs.
• Stronger Branding: Occupiers can include their branding, signage, and office designs from the start.
• Sustainability: Easier to include green building practices, energy efficiency, and solar infrastructure.
• Future-Proofing: Facilities can be built with scalability in mind – expansion zones, tech integrations, and modular growth.

What Are the Challenges or Downsides?
Like everything else, Built to Suit warehouse projects have their trade-offs:

• Time-Intensive: Unlike ready-to-move spaces, Built to Suit warehouse projects can take 6–12+ months from design to possession.
• Higher Upfront Costs: Some properties have higher rents, reflecting the customization and long-term investment by the developer.
• Commitment Required: Long lease terms are required, which may not suit every business.

Finding the Right Built to Suit Warehouse Location in Chennai
Chennai is home to several well-established industrial parks that actively offer Built to Suit warehouse solutions across key corridors like Oragadam, Sriperumbudur, and the GST belt. These parks are developed with ready infrastructure, industrial zoning, and streamlined approvals, making them ideal for occupiers looking to set up a tailored facility.

By working with Rightspaces, businesses can gain access to these strategic locations and benefit from our insights and network. We help you:

• Identify the most suitable locality based on your operational needs.
• Navigate the process of selecting the right developer and negotiating terms.
• Ensure the Built to Suit warehouse is built to spec, within budget, and on time.

Let us help you simplify the Built to Suit journey and find a space that fits like a glove — from site selection to handover.

Final Thoughts
In a country where industrial growth and supply chain networks are expanding rapidly, the Built to Suit warehouse model offers businesses a strong competitive edge. It’s not just about space – it’s about creating an operational ecosystem that drives efficiency, meets compliance, and supports long-term growth.

If your business is scaling or your current warehousing feels like a poor fit, a Built to Suit warehouse might be the strategic move you’ve been waiting for.