Hellmann Achieves Record Results in Anniversary Year 2021

Despite challenging market conditions, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics concludes 2021 as the most successful financial year in its 150-year history. In a market environment characterized by capacity shortages, high freight rates, and supply chain disruptions, Hellmann was able to secure additional capacities for its customers and offer tailored logistics solutions.

(Osnabrück) In 2021, shipments at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics increased by 25% compared to the previous year (from 16.2 million to 20.3 million). The group revenue rose by 1.5 billion EUR or 61%, exceeding 4 billion EUR for the first time.

Key drivers of revenue growth included not only the increase in volume and significantly rising freight rates across the industry but also forward-looking acquisitions made during the reporting period. In terms of products, particularly the air and sea freight sectors contributed to the revenue increase; geographically, the Hellmann regions of Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and North America recorded above-average organic growth. Liquidity improved through enhanced cash flow from operating activities of 117.5 million EUR, despite significantly increased investments totaling 69.9 million EUR. EBIT for the year 2021 amounted to 160.1 million EUR (previous year 74.2 million EUR). To cover the additional market-related expenses and maintain services for customers at the usual high level, Hellmann also invested in new jobs during the reporting period, increasing the workforce by over 16% to a total of 12,348 employees by year-end.

Successful Continuation of Strategic Development

The strategic development of the company was also successfully continued last year. In addition to opening several new country representations in Asia and the Middle East, expansion in France, one of the largest markets in Europe, was also advanced. Furthermore, Hellmann made numerous strategically important acquisitions last year, including the takeover of the joint venture Rhenus & Hellmann, acquisitions of the Hellmann East Europe group, and the purchase of minority shares in the Hellmann company in Australia.

An Exceptional Year in Many Ways

“2021 was not only our anniversary year but also, in many ways, an absolutely exceptional year, in which our employees once again demonstrated that Hellmann can be a reliable partner even in challenging times, during which we also successfully managed a cyber-attack, and can generate record growth. In 2022, we aim to build on this positive development despite all uncertainties. Our focus as the overall board includes the continuation of our digitalization roadmap and the development of a long-term sustainability strategy. At the same time, we will continue to place emphasis on the targeted development of our employees and expand the areas of sales and customer service,” said Reiner Heiken, Chief Executive Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

Continuation of the Expansion Course

“After steady profitable growth over the past three years, Hellmann is well-positioned to continue its expansion course. Our goal is to expand the business in existing as well as new markets through forward-looking acquisitions to generate further organic and sustainable growth,” says Martin Eberle, Chief Financial Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

Photo: © Hellmann