Hellmann Worldwide Logistics’ global operations grew 18.4 % in 2005

Miami,FL May 16, 2006 – By expanding operations in new markets and leveraging new technologies, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, reported an increase in global revenues of 18.4% in fiscal year 2005 (11% on a currency adjusted basis). Internally, this translated into a further need for human capital, thus opening 500 positions worldwide for a total workforce of 6,543 professionals.

Now in its fourth generation of family management, the logistics company has made inroads to evolve from an international forwarder to an integrated global logistics solutions company.

“During 2005, we improved performance and profitability while strengthening our global market position,” said Jost Hellmann, Managing Partner of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “These financial results show that the strategy of early engagement in the Asian market provided us with a significant competitive advantage. In addition, our strategic investments will continue to lay down the foundations for further sustainable growth.”

Maintaining its growth target, Hellmann’s worldwide revenues climbed to three billion dollars in 2005 compared to 2.6 billion dollars the previous year.

The company experienced its highest growth in its traditional products: airfreight grew 24.8 % (12.7% currency adjusted) and seafreight climbed 21.6 % (12.7%). And despite the pressure on the industry due to rising fuel costs, road transport increased by 2.0% (1.3%).

Hellmann’s largest investments were in the areas of electronic data processing and communications technology as well as in joint operating equipment.

Operations in international markets played a key role in last year’s growth, contributing 67.5% of overall revenues. The Americas increased 44.7% (22.7% on a currency adjusted basis) followed by the Asia/Pacific region with a 29.2% (13.6%) growth and Europe/Africa with a 7.8% (6.5%) growth.

“It is encouraging to see that the Americas region achieved the largest growth,” declared Karl Weyeneth, President and CEO for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics for the Americas. “Despite the unstable economies in some markets, we achieved double digit revenue growth in markets such as the USA (+35.9%), Canada (+25.4%), Brazil (+120%), Mexico (+64.3%), and Peru (+37%). To achieve this, we focused on strategic acquisitions, entered new markets, expanded operations in current markets, introduced new services, and consolidated a top level team of professionals across the region. “

US operations expand

Hellmann USA’s revenues rose by 35.96 % (17.75% currency adjusted) thanks to strong volume and an expansion of operations.

“In addition to a year of global growth, our region also saw some strategic changes. One of these was certainly the launch of our Domestic division,” said Frank Scheibner, President and CEO of Hellmann USA. “This was an important step in our strategy of expanding into the local market.”

Hellmann’s Domestic operations opened up many opportunities within the US market. Designed to provide door-to-door service across the US, the Domestic division was the missing piece required by the company to become a full service integrated provider.

Hellmann has set ambitious targets for 2006. In sea and airfreight, the company aims to outperform the market while leveraging effective cost management and continued productivity increases to maintain industry –leading margins in both business fields.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics network, operates from 341 cities, in 134 countries, and employs in excess of 15,000 dedicated people to serve Hellmann’s customers worldwide. For more information about Hellmann, please visit the company’s web site at www.hellmann.net

Acqua Communications
1401 Brickell Av., Suite 340. Miami, FL 33131
Mariana Marquez
mmarquez@acquacommunications.com
(305) 860-6333 ext.28

This release was published on openPR.