DENVER, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DCT Industrial Trust Inc.® (NYSE: DCT), a leading industrial real estate company, today announced it has signed new leases totaling 251,000 square feet in the New Jersey market.

"DCT Industrial has seen good leasing activity in the New Jersey market and has been successful in securing new customers and in renewing leases with existing customers," said Tom Tucci, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of DCT Industrial. "In general, customers are more comfortable with predicting their needs for the future and are ready to take advantage of today's leasing terms and rates. DCT Industrial is well-positioned in this market to meet tenant demand and, in addition to its 251,000 square feet of new leasing activity, has recently signed a significant renewal totaling 125,625 square feet with Engineered Arresting Systems Company."

The new leasing activity in New Jersey is comprised of two new customers signing long-term leases for existing bulk distribution properties.

MX Solar USA, LLC, the U.S. division of the Italian-based manufacturer of photovoltaic solar panels, leased 100% of DCT Industrial's 138,200 square foot bulk distribution facility located at 2301 Cottontail Lane in Somerset, N.J. As part of its business expansion, MX Solar will use the facility to manufacture and distribute solar panels to domestic and European markets. MX Solar selected the facility for its proximity to the Ports of New Jersey, functionality of the building and a healthy labor force in the region.

"DCT Industrial's New Jersey team immediately established a personal relationship with us. We were able to communicate directly with them regarding a variety of issues, each of which was addressed in a timely and professional manner," said Carlo Santoro, Director of Business Development for MX Solar USA. "They were very understanding and flexible, and worked with us closely to address our needs. Thanks to DCT Industrial's excellent collaboration, we were able to close our lease contract in a short time and to our complete satisfaction."

Chuck Fern and Joel Lubin of Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. represented both the customer and DCT Industrial in the transaction.

DCT Industrial also leased 113,161 square feet to Actavis Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the world's fourth-largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, for use as its packaging and distribution center. The building is located at 47 Brunswick in Edison, N.J.

"Our ability to provide consumers with high-value, lower cost medications depends greatly on the efficiency of our manufacturing and supply chain, and DCT Industrial worked with us to identify the right space to align with our long-term strategy," said Chris Young, Vice President of Operations for Actavis Inc. "Their ability to understand our needs will have a definite impact on our capacity to meet the needs of our customers."

Ron Ganter of Cushman & Wakefield of New Jersey, Inc. represented Actavis while Joel Lubin and Chuck Fern of Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. represented DCT Industrial in the transaction.

DCT Industrial owns or manages 13 buildings totaling 1.6 million square feet in its total New Jersey portfolio. For more information on DCT Industrial's portfolio in New Jersey, contact Tom Tucci at (201) 329-9001.

About DCT Industrial Trust Inc.®

DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (NYSE: DCT) is a leading industrial real estate company that owns, operates and develops high-quality bulk distribution and light industrial properties in high-volume distribution markets in the U.S. and Mexico. As of June 30, 2010, the Company owned, managed or had under development 75.5 million square feet of assets leased to more than 800 customers, including 14.6 million square feet managed on behalf of three institutional joint venture partners. Additional information is available at www.dctindustrial.com.

SOURCE DCT Industrial Trust Inc.