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Gebrüder Weiss: 30 Years in Romania
The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is celebrating 30 years of business in Romania this year. Started as a small freight forwarding agency in 1994, the company has undergone an impressive development in three decades and is now a well-known full-service logistics provider on the domestic market. During this period of time, the company has consistently invested in the development of its network of hubs, strategically located in the country’s areas of interest, but also in the diversification of the services offered to clients and in the digitization of processes.
For Viorel Leca, Country Manager of Gebrüder Weiss Romania since 2009, the dynamic growth of the past 15 years in particular is the confirmation of a consistent business strategy: “We have continuously invested in the expansion of our locations and logistics areas, in technology and digital tools as well as in the training and further education of our employees – always with the clear goal of deliver the best logistics solutions for our customers’ success. That continues to drive us.”
Gebrüder Weiss currently has 13 locations in the country, with 9 large logistics centers located in Bucharest, Arad, Sibiu, Cluj, Bacau, Brasov, Constanta and Craiova. Around 700 employees handled more than 1.1 million shipments in 2023 and generated sales of 94 million euros. The logistics company offers its customers the entire range of transport and logistics solutions: land transport, air and sea freight, intermodal transport, customs clearance and warehouse logistics as well as individual supply chain management. The company implements many tailor-made logistics solutions, especially for the automotive industry and large technology groups.
“Romania is a difficult and competitive market, but we seize the opportunities that present themselves. In this way, Gebrüder Weiss has established itself as a first-class logistics provider. Our employees are very committed to the quality of our logistics services,” said Thomas Moser, Director and Regional Manager Black Sea/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss.
Over the past 30 years, Gebrüder Weiss has invested around EUR 90 million in the expansion of its Romanian country organisation, adjusted for inflation (assuming an annual inflation rate of 3.5%). The amount was allocated to development of its network of logistics hubs, IT infrastructure, training of personnel and others.
”Romania is an important player on the international trade market. Moreover, it has a dynamic economy and is well-positioned to capitalize on the rise in nearshoring and manufacturing. „Gebrüder Weiss is eager to strengthen its long-standing relationship with Romania and leverage its investments to support the country’s growing role in regional trade and economic development”, said Viorel Leca.
Since 2018, home delivery services for online retail have also been part of Gebrüder Weiss’ portfolio: goods ordered online, such as furniture or household appliances, are delivered directly to the end customer. The majority of transports are made to urban conurbations. In order to contribute to a reduction in noise pollution and CO2 emissions, Gebrüder Weiss is managing, for one of its main customers, 7 electric vans in Cluj, Sibiu, Brasov, Craiova, Constanta and Iasi. Between October and December 2023, Gebrüder Weiss Romania made about 2,100 deliveries using electric vans, the goods transported totaling approximately 311,000 kg. It has thus managed to reduce CO2 emissions by 14 tons.
Environmentally friendly transports and alternative drives are generally an important topic for the logistics company, which aims for 2024, for around 10% of its customer dedicated deliveries to be made with electric vans, which translates into more than 8,000 transports.
Gebrüder Weiss also keeps an eye on the sustainable operation of its logistics sites and pays attention to energy efficiency in new buildings, for example by installing LED lighting, heat pump and photovoltaic systems. This was most recently the case with the construction of a second logistics terminal near Bucharest, in Popesti-Leordeni. The logistics hub with a total storage and handling area of 17,000 square meters will offer new capacities for smart logistics solutions from autumn 2024 and, thanks to its convenient location, will enable shorter distribution routes in Bucharest as well as a fast connection to the seaport in Constanta.
Furthermore, the company’s focus on digitization has been crucial in enhancing its operations and services. By embracing digital technologies, the company has streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and positioned itself at the forefront of the industry’s digital transformation.
For Country Manager Viorel Leca, the goals for the future are clear: “We want to become even more efficient and sustainable as a logistics service provider, as well as further diversify our portfolio and convince new customers of our service quality.”