pfenning Group has secured market access to a Europe-wide general cargo network following its 80 per cent stake in Spedition Gräfen Logistik.
The strategic acquisition was completed 6 March 2023 and has reportedly bolstered the company’s contract logistics business.
Spedition Gräfen Logistik specialises in long-distance transport, general cargo, refrigerated logistics, consignment warehouses and branded distribution and employs around 220 people. Under the direction of Managing Director, Hans-Josef Gräfen, who represents the second generation of owners, the company, which was founded in 1946, has extensive expertise in the area of two-person handling, general cargo and food service, which is to be expanded further in the future.
In the future cooperation, the two companies want to bundle competencies and further develop the existing business areas.
“We complement each other perfectly, also because we focus on promoting young talent from within our own ranks,” said pfenning Group Managing Director, Matthias Nag.
“Spedition Gräfen Logistik is one of the most important training companies in the Vulkaneifel with an average of 20 trainees per year.
“A method that serves as a tried and tested remedy against the future shortage of skilled workers.”
Hans-Josef Gräfen emphasised the positive similarities between the two companies: “As an owner-managed company with flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes, we have found a partner on an equal footing in the pfenning Group who is compatible with our values.”
On its growth path, the pfenning Group has already acquired six more companies since 2021, thereby strengthening its service portfolio in the areas of e-commerce and fulfilment, mobility solutions, fresh produce logistics, personnel services and co-packing/display construction.
The pfenning Group now employs 6,900 people in Europe.
In other news, talks, according to IRU, are at a standstill over Brenner Pass gridlock.