Kuehne + Nagel has agreed to buy Drude Logistik which specialises hub operations for international groupage networks from a site at Hauneck / Bad Hersfeld, which is in the geographical centre of Germany.
From mid-2012, Kuehne + Nagel plans to operate daily lines to 50 European economic centres via this central platform.
Dirk Reich, executive vice president of Kuehne + Nagel International responsible for road and rail logistics said: “Through the acquisition of Drude Logistik we get access to a highly capable hub operation for our international groupage activities. Drude Logistik fully meets our requirements regarding expertise, geographical position and infrastructure.
“Acting as our new Eurohub, it enables us to increase the number of departures, reduce lead times and achieve a better capacity utilisation due to a consistent consolidation and overnight transhipment operations. As a result, all Kuehne + Nagel locations linked to the Eurohub will benefit from improved service levels. The new routing via the Eurohub will be finalised until mid 2012”.
Drude Logistik was founded in Bad Hersfeld in 1894. The logistics centre in Hauneck / Bad Hersfeld accommodates a 7,200 square metre transhipment terminal with 105 loading bays. 150 employees provide hub services and ensure high quality and security levels. In addition, the company has around 11,500 square metre warehouse space under its management.
Currently, Kuehne + Nagel’s European groupage network has line services between 38 countries across the continent, routed via its central hub in Haiger, Germany. Due to capacity constraints, this location does not allow any further expansion of international groupage activities. In Germany, Kuehne + Nagel will continue to partner with the German groupage network IDS, covering 11 of its franchise areas.
