Gebrüder Weiss Continues Its Growth Path in 2020

The international logistics company Gebrüder Weiss, based in Lauterach, Austria, generated a net revenue of 1.77 billion euros in the past fiscal year 2020. Significant milestones were also achieved in the past year in terms of digitalization, sustainability, and global site expansion.

(Lauterach/A) The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss generated a net revenue of 1.77 billion euros in the fiscal year 2020. This corresponds to a revenue increase of 3.7 percent compared to the previous year (2019: 1.71 billion euros). Thus, the company continues its growth path of recent years. “Crucial for the positive balance was that we remained flexible and fully operational even during the Corona crisis – and that at all locations worldwide. Despite repeated lockdown phases and global freight space shortages, we were always able to offer our customers suitable transport solutions. Our employees performed outstandingly under difficult conditions,” says Wolfram Senger-Weiss, Chairman of the Management Board of Gebrüder Weiss.

Best of Both Worlds: Digital Strategy Proves Successful

A milestone in the digitalization process was achieved by the company in 2020 with the introduction of the new customer portal myGW. The online platform allows easy, fast, and direct access to all services of Gebrüder Weiss and provides real-time information on transport and logistics orders. “Our digital strategy ‘Best of Both Worlds’ – the combination of physical and digital competence – has proven successful, especially now in the crisis. We were able to show that we are a reliable and innovative logistics partner. The positive customer feedback reinforces our strategic direction,” says Wolfram Senger-Weiss. The customer portal is currently in use in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. Expansion to additional countries is planned for this year.

Expanded Global Network

Gebrüder Weiss also consistently continued its path of internationalization in 2020: In the area of air and sea freight, Gebrüder Weiss consolidated its location structure in Germany and entered the markets in Poland, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. “The expansions were realized remotely almost everywhere due to reduced travel options. This was a particular challenge for the respective teams, which they were able to successfully solve with digital communication tools,” says Senger-Weiss. The international network now includes 170 branches in 35 countries and 7,400 employees (full-time equivalents). The logistics company invested over 70 million euros in expanding its locations and IT infrastructure as well as in acquisitions. The equity ratio remains stable at over 60 percent, a key reason for the company’s resilience during crises and its ability to continue developing despite difficult conditions.

Sustainability in Focus: CO2 Neutrality by 2030

Gebrüder Weiss also pursues clear goals in its sustainability strategy: CO2 emissions are to be reduced by ten percent annually, and the company aims to be CO2 neutral by 2030. This will be achieved, among other things, by increasing the number of photovoltaic systems at its own logistics terminals and by intensifying the use of alternative truck drives such as electric, gas, or hydrogen. In addition to these measures, Gebrüder Weiss has offered its customers the option of carbon offsetting through certified climate protection projects since last year. The volatile economic situation of the past year is reflected in the revenue development of the individual business areas: Due to restrictions and some operational closures on the customer side, especially in the second quarter, the land transport and logistics sector recorded a decrease of 4.3 percent with 1.10 billion euros (2019: 1.15 billion euros). The increased demand in online retail led to a 29 percent increase in shipments in the home delivery segment (1.37 million shipments in 2020); in Austria and several Eastern European countries, Gebrüder Weiss is thus the market leader. In air and sea freight, a revenue increase of 23.7 percent was achieved with 470 million euros (2019: 380 million euros). In addition to the good business development, especially in air freight, the acquisition of Ipsen Logistics had a positive impact here. In an environment of great challenges, DPD Austria, in which Gebrüder Weiss Paketdienst (GWP) is a co-partner, transported more than 57 million packages. This corresponds to an increase of more than ten percent, successfully managed during the Corona crisis.
Photos: © Gebrüder Weiss/Gnaudschun / Image caption: The management of Gebrüder Weiss (from left): Jürgen Bauer, Peter Kloiber, Wolfram Senger-Weiss (Chairman), and Lothar Thoma www.gw-world.com