Case Study: Onward Robotics (formerly IAM Robotics)
Learn how Donahue Real Estate Advisors delivered a strategic real estate solution that provided Onward Robotics with a premier location, supporting their mission to revolutionize material handling and logistics through cutting-edge robotics.
Case Study: Onward Robotics (formerly IAM Robotics)
Learn how Donahue Real Estate Advisors delivered a strategic real estate solution that provided Onward Robotics with a premier location, supporting their mission to revolutionize material handling and logistics through cutting-edge robotics.
Project Objectives
- Secure a prime location on Pittsburgh’s Robotics Row to support company growth.
- Maintain proximity to the National Robotics Engineering Center and top universities.
- Find a building that accommodates office, collaboration, manufacturing, and robot testing.
- Create a comfortable, efficient, and flexible workspace to attract and retain world-class robotics talent.
- Ensure sufficient parking, a critical requirement for employees and visitors.
Project Challenges
- High Competition: Limited supply of suitable properties in a competitive commercial real estate market.
- Multiple Spaces: Initial strategy involved searching for separate office and flex spaces.
- Expansion Capabilities: Needed to convert a traditional industrial building to accommodate both tech teams and business functions.
Client Profile
- Size: 30,000 SF+ with expansion potential
- Location: Robotics Row, Pittsburgh
- Industry: Robotics & Automation
- Project Type: Office & Industrial Relocation
- Company Bio: Onward Robotics is a world-class robotics company headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, specializing in innovation and operational transformation for material handling, logistics, and the supply chain.
The Curveball
Initially, the office and robotics spaces were to occupy two separate buildings. When lease negotiations fell through at the office building, Donahue quickly shifted gears and negotiated to have both functions located together in one building. This revised strategy saved the client several million dollars.
Strategic Solutions by Donahue Real Estate Advisors
- Refined Strategy: Shifted focus from separate office and flex spaces to a unified location.
- Prime Site Selection: Identified the best available Robotics Row property that met all requirements, including parking.
- Landlord Collaboration: Built a strong relationship with the landlord to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.
- Market Agility: Quickly negotiated favorable lease terms in a competitive market.
Results: A State-of-the-Art Robotics Hub
- Ideal Location: Secured a prime spot in Robotics Row, ensuring access to top talent and research institutions.
- Unified Space: Accommodated all business functions in one efficient, flexible environment.
- Successful Expansion: Positioned Onward Robotics for continued growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Conclusion: Powering Innovation at IAM Robotics
Donahue Real Estate Advisors delivered a strategic real estate solution that provided Onward Robotics with a premier location, supporting their mission to revolutionize material handling and logistics through cutting-edge robotics.
“Jack was able to help our company find the right spot for us and work with the owner to modify it to our specific vision. We explored every potential opportunity in the Pittsburgh area and successfully pivoted from 2 potential locations to the best one for us, which saved substantial dollars for IAM Robotics.”
Tom Galluzzo, Founder of Onward Robotics