HGK Integrates neska into HGK Logistics and Intermodal

The transformation of the companies of Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG continues to progress. By the end of 2023, the previous subsidiary neska will completely transition into the business area of HGK Logistics and Intermodal. This was announced at the founding event of HGK Intermodal GmbH, where the intermodal container activities of the HGK Group are bundled.

(Köln) “Until now, neska operated independent branches and companies autonomously in the market. Now, the activities will be organized into three business units: Intermodal, Logistics, and Transportation,” explains Markus Krämer, CEO of HGK Logistics and Intermodal, the background. For the intermodal sector, he envisions a stronger cooperation of the terminals along the Rhine and Ruhr: “With HGK Intermodal GmbH, we strengthen our activities in container logistics. This ensures modern and reliable services in the region, benefiting industry and trade as well as millions of households. It is a coming together, where we grow together.” Together with Michaela Przybylla, the 36-year-old also leads HGK Intermodal GmbH. This includes, among others, the trimodal terminals in Duisburg, Krefeld, Düsseldorf, and Cologne.

Bundling of Processes and Structures

Numerous representatives from politics, industry, and logistics attended the event at the Cologne Chocolate Museum. “The reorganization of the area with the units Intermodal, Logistics, and Transportation is another step in the development of HGK into an integrated logistics group. We are bundling processes to offer our customers simpler structures,” said Uwe Wedig, CEO of the parent company Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG. In pre-recorded greetings, NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) and Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker (independent) assured their support.

Background and Strategic Orientation

In an interview with moderator Gesa Eberl, Markus Krämer provided insights into the background and strategic orientation of the new unit. In the subsequent panel discussion, he discussed with Andreas Feicht, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Köln GmbH, Achim Boner, Managing Director of Thyssen Krupp Materials Trading, Marc-Oliver Nandy, Director Global Supply Chain of Mercedes Benz, and Dr. Jan Zeese, CAO HGK Logistics & Intermodal, about the importance of functioning supply chains for companies. Only those who are able to understand current requirements and further develop supply chains will be successful and future-proof, the panel agreed. This not only creates positive effects for companies but also for society as a whole: Every liter of diesel that is saved through effective planning saves money and protects the environment. The business representatives emphasized that they rely on strong and resilient connections to logistics: “Competent partners provide customers with security.” A production stoppage due to supply shortages can ultimately lead to millions in losses. And it doesn’t matter whether the chain breaks “on the way to Siegen or Sydney.” Therefore, it is all the more important to be reliably positioned regionally, nationally, and internationally. “Logistics knows no city boundaries,” Markus Krämer concluded.

Widespread Fear of the New is Not a Modern Phenomenon

Carina Stöttner, a futurist and co-founder of the business think tank “Themis Foresight,” then took the stage. The sociologist and media scientist took the audience on a brief journey from the past to the future. Her credo is: “The future is shapeable. The only question is what we make of it!”

The widespread fear of the new is not a phenomenon of modernity – even at the invention of the railway, there were warnings about health risks that passengers would have to endure. A similar situation is happening today with the view on artificial intelligence: it offers many more opportunities than risks, provided the foundations for the use of technologies are designed correctly early on.

Markus Krämer gladly picked up this ball. “I am very excited about the logistics of the future,” he explained before inviting the guests to use the rest of the evening for intensive networking.

Photo: © HGK L&I/O. Wachenfeld / Image Caption (from l. to r.): Moderator Gesa Eberl, Markus Krämer, Andreas Feicht, Achim Boner, Marc-Oliver Nandy, and Jan Zeese