Transforming global corporate real estate strategy: Koch's partnership with JLL

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.

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.