Gebr

March 19 - Austria headquartered global logistics provider Gebr

The company saw overall turnover grow eight percent year-on-year in 2012 to EUR1.15 billion (USD 1.49 billion)

According to GW chairman Wolfgang Niessner, huge investments to strengthen its position in strategically important markets took priority in 2012 with the company making significant investments in physical resources, technology and expertise. "This should help us to continue to be prepared for the tough competition and difficult economic conditions that we face," he added.

GW invested approximately EUR50 million (USD64.7 million) in developing its global network. In 2012, work began on a new Tbilisi, Georgia facility. GW also acquired haulage firm Diehl and Sprenger, strengthening its foothold in the South German market. GW's new Prague terminal started operations in the autumn, whilst building and renovation work got underway at its Lauterach, Vorarlberg headquarters during November.

GW saw its Land Transport business turnover increase by 10 percent year-on-year to EUR780 million (USD1.01 billion) - attributable to its stable partner network and to the establishment of Europe-wide regular services under the 'GW pro.line' label.

Its Logistics Solutions division also made solid progress, according to GW. Notably, Hewlett-Packard named GW as its Regional Logistics Supplier of the Year in recognition of its high level of service quality in the Central and Eastern European markets and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The company's Air & Sea division reported consolidated turnover of EUR243 million (USD314.5 million) in 2012 - up three percent over 2011. According to GW, it focused efforts on the East Asia Market. During 2012 GW celebrated 20 years of successful operations in China. Today, it employs 342 people at 17 locations across the People's Republic.

"Our sound basis in the Far East has also enabled us to further develop the transpacific route. Both sides have worked extremely hard to further develop this important trade lane over the last few years," commented board member Heinz Senger-Weiss.

Furthermore: "By taking over the Japanese air and sea freight company JHB Express, which is based in Osaka, we were able to considerably strengthen our transportation sector within Asia," added Senger-Weiss.

GW's Projects & Break Bulk division also enjoyed a busy year. During 2012, HLPFI reported that the GWEast+ division was responsible for delivering heavy equipment for the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku (http://tinyurl.com/bwz25y2).

The projects division also shifted a EUR1.5 million (USD1.94 million) helicopter from Austria to Georgia for client Wucher Helicopter (http://tinyurl.com/cud35lj). GW also joined the Project Cargo Network (PCN) representing both Austria and Taiwan (http://tinyurl.com/chm3hq6).