The global real estate outsourcing partnership with JLL was the first of its kind for the Koch team. Initially, the relationship was based on the standard global service delivery model of corporate real estate services including full-time integrated facility management (IFM) services. Koch and JLL branded the CRE organization as the Land, Infrastructure, Facilities and Transactions (LIFT) team to better communicate its purpose and mission.

However, Koch’s global footprint encompasses numerous geographically dispersed companies and a diverse corporate real estate portfolio with a myriad of stakeholders and decision makers. The multitude of businesses have different real estate priorities—and the one-size-fits-all approach to CRE does not meet its unique needs.

The LIFT team soon recognized that it needed a new operating model that would better align CRE service delivery with the distinct needs of each business partner. Most critically, it needed to adopt a new mindset and unique processes to engage internal business partner stakeholders and proactively recommend customized solutions.

Now, LIFT is helping Koch businesses advance their goals through diverse real estate strategies. Initiatives include creating engaging environments through strategy, occupancy planning, human-centered design and curated amenities.

LIFT is focused on advancing five key priorities for 2025:

• serving as trusted business partners
• creating strategic relationships
• building capabilities in relevant data and analytics
• empowering talent
• pursuing operational excellence
   

Under the LIFT model, services are right-sized for the diverse needs of Koch companies.

LIFT continues to advance its priorities and demonstrate its broad capabilities through a range of key initiatives. By delivering integrated solutions across office buildouts, specialized relocations, portfolio optimization and operational excellence, LIFT helps its business partners create environments that support business objectives, enhance employee experience and drive long-term value. The following recent projects highlight the depth and versatility of its expertise.

Workplace transformation

LIFT manages large administrative office buildouts, transforming coworking and underutilized spaces into modern, flexible workplaces designed to support talent growth and evolving business needs. In addition to physical space design, LIFT brings new amenities and technology to the workplace, introducing capabilities that improve productivity and elevate the employee experience. These projects have consistently been delivered within tight timelines and at a lower cost than expected.

Portfolio optimization

LIFT’s expertise also extends to portfolio optimization, where they have analyzed global real estate footprints to uncover opportunities for space reduction and cost savings. Its efforts have enabled organizations to better allocate space, execute dozens of transactions across multiple countries and manage the disposition of surplus properties, including significant land holdings. Its approach includes co-locating multiple companies together to optimize leases and maximize the value of real estate assets, particularly in strategic talent markets. This capability enables organizations to reduce costs, improve collaboration and ensure that new spaces are operational on schedule and well-positioned for future success.

Operational excellence

Operationally, LIFT supports reliable operations in addition to regulatory compliance, sustainability and supplier management. Its team has implemented standardized compliance processes, achieved industry certifications for facilities and delivered cost savings through strategic sourcing platforms. In rapidly expanding regions such as Bangalore, India, LIFT has led multiple facility expansions, enhanced employee amenities and provided a range of support services, including guest experience, food and transportation.

Through these initiatives, LIFT continues to create environments that foster productivity, collaboration and long-term value for Koch.

In keeping with Koch’s historically decentralized structure, individual companies are not required to use LIFT services. However, many choose to do so because LIFT has proven its adaptability and ability to add value to Koch brands. As of 2024, LIFT has been providing scalable, agile real estate solutions and ongoing services to 19 diverse Koch businesses in 18 countries.

Branded as LIFT, Koch and JLL are bringing a new approach to global real estate management. With the help of JLL, Koch is better supported to focus on real estate, business alignment and strategy in the years to come.