In 2018 Röhlig Logistics achieves its highest operating result for five years and increases gross profit by 7.5 per cent to EUR 143.9 million

Bremen, June 12th, 2019 - The owner-operated logistics company Röhlig continues to grow successfully in 2018, as the current figures confirm.

"At the end of 2018, we successfully concluded Blue Future, our programme for growth, which we had started in 2015. In addition to sharpening our product and service portfolio for sea and air freight, we optimised processes and created the technological prerequisites for taking the digitisation of our logistics services to the next level. In the future, new data and technology solutions will further contribute to our service portfolio. All of this means that we are even better equipped for the future," explains Philip W. Herwig, Managing Partner of Röhlig Logistics.

Rising income and a cautious outlook for 2019

In the reporting year, the operating result (EBIT) rose to a five-year high of EUR 10.2 million after it had been – as planned – lower in the previous year because of investments. The gross profit generated by the company increased by 7.5 per cent to EUR 143.9 million. As Head of Finance Hans-Ludger Körner points out, "By successfully restructuring the Röhlig consolidated companies, we have improved our productivity and profitability as well as our gross profit. We are expecting the current year to be challenging because of market volatility and weakening economic momentum. However, with our worldwide Röhlig network we are well prepared for any shifts in trading patterns in global markets."

Sustainable growth in air freight and contract logistics

Following the implementation of numerous initiatives and projects, all the divisions in the company improved their gross profit in comparison to the previous year. The air freight division, in particular, was able to significantly increase its gross profit, achieving a plus of 14.3 per cent. Moreover, the successful sales initiatives carried out in our air and sea freight business led to synergies in contract logistics. Particularly in Germany, South Africa, China, Australia and New Zealand, this division was able to acquire well-known clients and, in so doing, to generate growth of 14.8 per cent.

Continuing process of digitisation

In 2019, Röhlig is continuing to focus on its digitisation projects. As Philip W. Herwig explains, "In the future, we will further strengthen our position as a provider of high-quality logistics services in a digital world. As I speak, we are constantly improving the services we offer to our clients. For example, our booking platform Röhlig Real Time has been developed to include numerous new functions. As a result, the transport of hazardous goods and refrigerated products, for example, can also be booked online now."