Joint Venture of pfenning logistics with Oelrich Logistics Division

pfenning logistics group continues its expansion course. The newest member of the corporate group since the beginning of January 2022 is Oelrich Logistics GmbH, a family-run logistics service provider specializing in building materials and food logistics. Customers of both companies benefit from expanded storage capacities, more efficient intermodal transport networks, and new options in value-added services.

(Heddesheim/Ladbergen) The pfenning logistics group, a family-run contract logistics provider based in Heddesheim, has had a new member in its corporate network since January 1, 2022: In a joint venture, the logistics division of Martin Oelrich GmbH & Co. KG, Ladbergen, has been transferred to the new joint venture Oelrich Logistics GmbH. pfenning logistics holds an 80% stake in the joint venture. The name Oelrich will be retained in Oelrich Logistics GmbH along with the established brand. Continuity is also present in management and personnel. Martin Oelrich will be supported as managing director by his previous management team, Timo Cavosi and Nicolas Vodde. Marco Hamacher, a member of the management board of the pfenning logistics group, has been appointed as an additional managing director. The entire workforce of approximately 300 employees has also transitioned to the new company.

The Oelrich family has been active in the transport and contract logistics sector for nearly 90 years, just like Pfenning. Oelrich Logistics operates three locations with over 30,000 square meters of storage space and moves around 130 truck units daily. The shipment volume includes approximately 600,000 shipments with a weight of one million tons. Building materials and food logistics are among the core competencies of Oelrich Logistics. For customers, the service provider takes over warehouse logistics with numerous value-added services such as co-packing. A particular strength is intermodal transport with trucks.

Own port on the Dortmund-Ems Canal

With the future cooperation partner, Oelrich Hafen GmbH, there is direct access via the own port on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. For Oelrich Logistics GmbH and its customers, belonging to the pfenning logistics group now offers a strengthening of its own portfolio with broader market access, synergies in processing, and growth prospects for the three locations in Ladbergen (NRW), Alt Bork (Brandenburg), and Dasing (Bavaria). For pfenning logistics, the integration of Oelrich Logistics primarily means the opportunity to expand its location network and provide customers with new intermodal transport options with access to port infrastructure and inland waterways. Additionally, the Ladbergen site is set to be expanded in 2023 with a new hall complex initially covering 40,000 square meters, with an option for further expansion.

Fits perfectly into the overall strategy

Rana Matthias Nag, managing director of the pfenning logistics group, is convinced of the new opportunities: “We have intensively prepared and examined the commitment to Oelrich Logistics. The business model fits perfectly into our overall growth strategy, both in terms of geographical coverage towards the north and regarding the range of services. Oelrich Logistics adds another building block to our full-service offering. Conversely, new opportunities arise for Oelrich Logistics. As family-run companies, our understanding and motivation match, so we are very pleased with this new constellation.”

The new managing director of Oelrich Logistics, Marco Hamacher, adds: “Oelrich Logistics offers development potential within the pfenning logistics group for our presence in northern Germany. Interesting logistics options arise from the planned expansion of storage capacities, investment in innovation and modernization, as well as increased utilization of combined transport. Furthermore, we are diversifying our services further and developing sustainable transport solutions thanks to the port connection.”

Adapting to increasing demands

Martin Oelrich comments on the new partnership with pfenning logistics: “The demands on a modern logistics operation from clients are constantly increasing. Therefore, we see the collaboration with pfenning logistics as a perfect merger to open up new and innovative possibilities for our customers in the future. This makes us overall more powerful and efficient. The shared values and philosophies of two traditional family businesses complement each other very well.”

The pfenning group continuously expands its industry expertise and nationwide location capacities. In 2021, it had already expanded its know-how in the areas of automotive, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and e-commerce logistics through strategic acquisitions of Sonima, HTH, and GILOG.

Photo: © Oelrich / Image caption: Facility in the own port in Ladbergen