JF Hillebrand acquires transport operator 3W Logistik

Beverage logistics specialist JF Hillebrand has bought German transport operator 3W Logistik in order to expand its wine transport services in Europe.

While both companies work in the BWS sector, JF Hillebrand specialises in ‘containerised freight’ while 3W Logistik concentrates on ‘intra-Europe groupage services and road freight’.

A statement from JF Hillebrand said that the acquisition would allow both companies “the means to grow and better support their customers”.

Commenting on the news, Tilo Raab, managing director of JF Hillebrand Germany, said: “3W’s services are very complementary to the services JF Hillebrand offers today and we serve the same customer base. Both Andreas Walsleben, founder and co-owner of 3W and I are very excited to join our efforts, offering both employees and customers new opportunities.”

Cees van Gent, CEO of the JF Hillebrand Group, added: “This acquisition confirms our strong ambition to grow our business organically and via acquisitions and to extend our service portfolio with road services, both in Europe and the US. We are very happy to welcome the team of 3W Logistik to the Hillebrand family and grow together.”

Last year, JF Hillebrand launched an app called ‘myHillebrand’ which functions as a digital customer platform, hailed by the company as a “major milestone in traditional freight forwarding” that allows users to track shipments from order placement to delivery.

This year, JF Hillebrand picked up the Logistics Company of the Year at the Drinks Business Awards.