Craiss with Growth in the Branch Logistics Sector

The Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG is on a growth path with its services for retail logistics. In 2021, the logistics service provider secured three major projects. For two new customers from the textile industry and for an existing customer from the consumer goods sector, Craiss is handling the collection, transshipment, and delivery of stores in the southwest of Germany.

(Mühlacker) As a result, Craiss Generation Logistik nearly tripled its revenue in this business area last year. The medium-term goal of the owner-managed medium-sized company is to put a larger logistics property into operation by 2023.

“Craiss has established itself in the branch logistics sector and has built a good reputation. Thanks to our many years of experience and the ability to leverage synergies with existing customers, we have now been able to win three additional contracts,” says Mark Mitterhuber, Head of Sales and Marketing at Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG.

Two New Customers from the Textile Trade

For a Swedish and a textile trading company from Braunschweig, Craiss is responsible for the delivery to around 140 stores in postal code areas 3, 6, 7, and 8. Approximately 50 trucks with around 380 pallets and three trucks with 2,500 loose packages are received daily at the Mühlacker hub, picked, and transshipped for fine distribution via 3.5, 7.5, or 15-ton trucks as well as sprinters with tail lifts.

In addition, Craiss has been awarded the contract for further areas of an existing customer. In addition to the existing contract with the Hamburg coffee and trading group, the logistics company is now also responsible for the delivery to 400 stores and supermarkets in the greater Ulm area. The hub in Neu-Ulm, which was acquired last year, serves as a cross-dock and is strategically located near the A8 motorway, covering around 750 square meters. The orders are also acquired and scheduled through the company headquarters.

Acquisition of a New Facility by 2023

By 2023, Craiss aims to move from Mühlacker to a larger facility for scheduling and transshipment. “Branch logistics, especially in the textile sector, was once a niche for Craiss, where we have now become established, and it has developed into an integral part of our business over the years. We want to further expand this potential,” says Torsten Kurfiß, Head of Branch Logistics at Craiss Generation Logistik GmbH & Co. KG.

Specially Trained Drivers

“Unlike general cargo delivery, customers in branch logistics expect real added value from the logistics service provider. The items to be transported are often unpackaged or hanging goods and require careful handling,” says Kurfiß. The Craiss drivers are specially trained for this purpose. In addition, they are characterized by good personal interaction with customers. “All drivers have fixed, recurring routes and are familiar faces. Some even deliver at night, equipped with keys, and unload the goods in the loading bays before the stores open. This trust must be earned.”

Photo: © Craiss