|
 |
German Reinforcements
In an effort to strengthen AIT's position in Germany, we are proud to announce a new cooperation with Munich-based GROUP7 International Logistics.
In May of this year, AIT Worldwide Logistics and GROUP7 agreed to become international partners and strategically develop the USA - German market.
"GROUP7 distinguished themselves with a very personal and innovative service for our needs," explained Larry Georgen, director of AIT's global network. "Together, I am confident we can deliver fast, reliable and realistic solutions for the benefit
of our customers in this particular region of the global logistics marketplace."
GROUP 7 are represented at the economic centers and strategic locations of Germany with their own branch offices. Locations in Munich, Frankfurt, Bremen, Hamburg, Nurnberg, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf provide a comprehensive network to meet the requirements of AIT and its customers.
GROUP7 was founded by Petra Sperber as an international provider of logistics services with headquarters in Munich. GROUP7 stands for a group of experienced logistics professionals who regard innovative customer service as their top priority.
Intelligent logistics solutions for airfreight, sea freight, sea-air, road haulage as well as individual concepts for the outsourcing of logistics services represent, in short, the range of services offered by GROUP7.
GROUP 7 is driven by the entrepreneurial thinking of a privately-owned and owner-managed company that successfully implements goals-oriented processes with a dynamic and experienced team.
GROUP7 and Going Green Logistics
The topics of disposal and the management of packaging materials take center stage for GROUP7, which is why the company makes prudent and sparing use of recyclable packaging materials, considers ecological aspects in the selection of third party service providers, and adheres to the most stringent safety standards in disposal.
GROUP7 examines all the possibilities and options for creating energy-efficient and environmentally compatible buildings. In the construction of the new logistics center at Munich Airport, for example, wooden roof frames were employed, while rolled concrete was chosen instead of armored concrete. In addition, a number of efficient energy management options were also implemented. The building will be eco-certified in 2009.
To learn more about GROUP7, please visit their website: http://www.group-7.de/
Passport to Partnership:
Q and A with Volker Hellweg, GROUP7's Vice President
During a recent visit to AIT's corporate headquarters, Volker Hellweg, GROUP7's Vice President, sat down with Larry Georgen, director of AIT's global network, to discuss Volker's philosophy on selecting global business partners.
Larry Georgen: What are some of the qualities you look for from a potential partner?
Volker Hellweg: We are looking to work with a professional staff, a financially stable company and a company with which we can grow. Additionally, we take into consideration which markets the potential partners are doing business and their potential for growth in each of those specific markets. Ultimately, you must ask yourself, "Can I count on this company to grow business together?"
For me personally, the most important quality to consider is the corporate culture of the potential partner. Their core business philosophies must be aligned with ours in order to make those joint beliefs the foundation of our partnership.
Larry Georgen: This is your third time visiting AIT in the past year. Why?
Volker Hellweg: Yes, this is my third visit this year. From the first moment I walked into AIT, I had a great feeling about partnering with this company. It starts with the "director of first impressions" sitting at the front desk and goes through the whole operational set up.
The AIT culture in Chicago is special and you can instantly feel this when walk around the office and interact with the staff.
Larry Georgen: What factors can improve our partnership's effectiveness?
Volker Hellweg: We will need to develop programs and products together moving forward, which will separate us from the other forwarders who only have agent relationships.
We agreed to make regular visits to our respective markets and strategically develop our business relationship through sales calls and leveraged marketing efforts.
Lastly, we will work with the same partners in other areas of the world, which will bring additional synergies to our cooperation.
Larry Georgen: What role will technology play in our collaboration?
Volker Hellweg: It plays a large role - the advancement of technology is a "must" in global corporate collaboration.
We need to improve the number of shipments per employee, as profits per shipment are shrinking. Therefore, the number of orders we are processing must increase, and this goal can only be accomplished through enhanced IT systems.
I feel an EDI link between our companies can be very beneficial in terms providing our customers timely status updates, supply chain visibility and efficient document availability in today's global marketplace.
Larry Georgen: Why did you select AIT as your partner in the USA?
Volker Hellweg: There are, of course, a lot of other companies that "talk the talk," but don't really have the network in the USA or the quality of operations that AIT has established. AIT's complete USA market coverage was an important element in our partner selection.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Partner News eNewsletter,
please contact Larry Georgen, Manager Global Network. |
|
Back to top