Localization of warehouse systems and metal structures production in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Industrial platform for Central Asia
Astana – New City SEZ
1. Market situation
Shortage of warehouse infrastructure in Kazakhstan
According to international consultants Knight Frank, Colliers, and CBRE, the vacancy rate for high-quality warehouse space in Kazakhstan remains critically low:
- Class A — 4–5%
- Class B — 7–9%
This confirms the structural shortage of warehouse infrastructure throughout the country (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and regional logistics hubs).
In 2025–2026, 600–950 thousand m² of new warehouse space is planned to be commissioned, which will create steady demand for warehouse systems, mezzanines, and metal structures.
Growth in transit and the Middle Corridor
According to the World Bank, freight traffic through the Middle Corridor grew by more than 30% year-on-year in 2025, and is forecast to reach 11 million tons by 2030.
The growth in transit directly stimulates the construction of:
- logistics parks
- distribution centers
- industrial warehouses
- cross-docking terminals
Each new warehouse facility requires:
- pallet and medium-duty racking
- mezzanines
- metal structures
- commercial and archival storage systems
- metal furniture
Thus, the development of transit infrastructure creates a stable and long-term demand for NOMAD CORP products.
Logistics market
The total logistics market of the Republic of Kazakhstan (transportation, warehousing, forwarding) is estimated at USD 25–32 billion, with an annual growth rate of 4–5%.
The total market of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) is USD 45–55 billion, with growth rates of 5–7% per year.
Uzbekistan is showing the most dynamic growth in warehouse real estate in the region.
2. Market issues
- Import dependence for warehouse systems exceeds 70%.
- Main suppliers: Russia (70–80%), China (10–15%), Turkey (5–10%).
- Delivery times are 60–120 days.
- Currency and sanctions risks.
- Lack of local service and engineering support.
The market needs a local full-cycle manufacturer.
3. Solution — full-cycle plant
Creation of an automated production complex with an area of 4,000–6,000 m² in the Astana-New City SEZ for the production of:
- pallet, medium-duty, archive, and retail shelving
- mezzanine systems
- metal furniture and cabinets
- metal structures for industrial and prefabricated buildings
Production is organized on the basis of seven automated lines with separate powder coating lines (Power & Free and Panel Painting), mechanical processing, and automated packaging.
4. Design capacity
Based on equipment specifications:
At 100% load:
- 18,000–22,000 tons of metal products per year
- up to 1,150,000 m of beams
- approximately 960,000 m of uprights
- up to 480,000 retail shelves per year
- up to 75,000 metal cabinets per year
Load stages:
- Year 1 — 50%
- Year 2 — 65%
- Year 3 — 80%
- Year 4 — 90%
- Year 5 — 100%
This scenario is realistic for a new industrial project.
5. Raw material base
The main source is metallurgical enterprises in Kazakhstan.
Additional diversification of supplies:
- Uzmetkombinat
- Azerbaijan Steel Company
Diversification of supplies reduces sanctions and currency risks.
6. CAPEX (2026)
Production lines and equipment:
- Automated lines — USD 12.3 million
- Painting complex — USD 2.7 million
- Mechanical processing — USD 2.72 million
- Additional equipment — USD 2.38 million
- Total equipment — USD 20.1 million
Taking into account:
- Logistics and freight
- Customs clearance
- Installation and commissioning
- Engineering connections
- Reserve and contingency costs
Total cost of turnkey equipment: USD 23–24 million
Construction and infrastructure:
- Production building and offices
- Communications
- Engineering networks
≈ $5.5 million
Total investment:
$28.8–29 million (including working capital)
7. Financial indicators (at full capacity)
- Revenue: USD 25–40 million per year
- Average selling price: USD 1,800–2,200 per ton
- EBITDA: 22–27% (up to 30% possible at high capacity utilization)
- Payback period: 4–6 years
- IRR: 18–25% depending on the financing structure.
The sensitivity of the project depends on:
- metal prices
- capacity utilization
- export share
8. Location and tax advantages
Astana SEZ – New City
Preferences:
- 0% corporate income tax for up to 10 years
- 0% VAT on equipment imports
- Exemption from property and land tax
- Land lease for up to 49 years
- Simplified customs regime
The FEZ's operating period has been extended until 2042.
9. State support
The project is in line with the priorities of industrialization and import substitution.
Potential support measures:
- Grant co-financing of up to 10–30% of CAPEX through QazIndustry
- Investment project support through Kazakh Invest
Support is provided based on the results of project review and approval.
10. Competitive advantages
- Full production cycle in Kazakhstan
- Reduced delivery times to 2–4 weeks
- Local service and design
- Reduced currency risks for customers
- Export potential to Central Asia
11. Project positioning
NOMAD CORP is an industrial production asset with a capacity of up to 22,000 tons of metal products per year, focused on import substitution of storage systems in Kazakhstan and the formation of an export hub for Central Asia.
The project forms a technologically advanced industrial platform capable of closing the region's key infrastructure gap.
