Building Bridges in Heavy Industry: Ahlers Strengthens Its Footprint in the DACH Region
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the DACH region) are strategic markets for heavy industry and project logistics. To be closer to customers and tap into new opportunities, Ahlers has established a new branch in Hamburg. We spoke with Julian Kurz, Business Development Manager Western Europe, about the market and Ahlers’ plans to strengthen partnerships across the region.
Julian, could you share your background before joining Ahlers?
I’ve been working in logistics for nearly 30 years, primarily in project forwarding. Over the years, I’ve also spent time on the shipping line side, which gave me a different perspective. My focus has always been on complex and oversized cargo: heavy lifts, industrial machinery, and project shipments by sea, air, road, rail. My career has always been international: from Iraq and Singapore to Indonesia and France, before returning to Germany three years ago to work for one of the larger global forwarders. But when Ahlers, with its strong project logistics focus, came onto my radar that really sparked my interest again.
What excites you most about representing the company in the region?
It’s an exciting and challenging step, but I don’t have to start from scratch. Ahlers already has a strong track record in the region, with established customer relationships and proven expertise through German ports as well as gateways like Antwerp and Rotterdam.
The potential, however, is much bigger. Many major industrial groups are based here, and while we already support some subsidiaries, there’s room to expand to their headquarters and global operations. The environment is challenging (geopolitical tensions, tariffs, economic pressure, etc) but that also creates opportunities for agile players like us. With more than a century of history, Ahlers is a trusted name in project logistics, and I’m excited to strengthen that presence in the DACH region.
The DACH region is home to world-leading manufacturers in energy, rolling stock, heavy machinery and other equipment. Where do you see the strongest opportunities for us?
I think Ahlers has a strong niche offering. We focus on project logistics and consumer logistics, and unlike the bigger companies that do more or less everything, we keep it focused. That means our customers always know who their direct contact is, and projects are handled end-to-end by a dedicated team.
Beyond execution, we also invest in digital tools: our transport management systems, real-time track and trace, and CO₂ monitoring are highly valued by clients. Sustainability is a major driver for European manufacturers, both from internal strategy and regulatory requirements, and Ahlers is committed to supporting those goals with greener logistics solutions.
Ahlers has supported DACH-based projects for decades. How does having you on the ground strengthen the service we provide?
Being physically present makes a big difference. Logistics isn’t only about paperwork and phone calls ─ sometimes you need to see the cargo, meet engineers at a production site, or inspect a port or warehouse. These visits often lead to more efficient solutions, like modifying equipment to reduce oversize and save significant costs. For customers, it also builds trust. I can accompany them to ports, oversee critical loadings, ensure everything goes smoothly. And of course, language plays a role. Many companies speak English, but being able to work with them in German removes a barrier.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges manufacturers face when moving heavy and oversized cargo ─ and how can Ahlers help?
The biggest challenge today is uncertainty: geopolitics, rising energy costs, shifting trade flows, etc. For German manufacturers, for example, high production and electricity costs are pushing some to relocate, which directly impacts logistics strategies. On the transport side, many companies rely on traditional routes, even when smarter alternatives exist. Southern Germany, for instance, can often be served more efficiently via Antwerp or Rotterdam than Hamburg, while Austria might benefit from Mediterranean ports.
Ahlers creates value by giving customers real options: whether faster but more expensive or slower with significant savings. We don’t just execute. We act as a partner, bringing fresh ideas and optimized solutions to every project.
Looking ahead, what project trends or developments play to Ahlers’ strengths?
We see rising demand for value-added services from designing transport frames to handling ADR goods or extra cargo checks. More and more customers want a one-stop partner who manages projects from A to Z instead of coordinating multiple providers.
Another key trend is early involvement. Manufacturers involve logistics partners before production even begins. That’s where Ahlers adds value by developing optimized transport solutions that may only be executed months or years later.
Our global footprint is also a strength. In Ukraine, for example, where reconstruction will drive massive cargo demand, Ahlers maintained operations throughout. With DACH manufacturers deeply engaged in supporting Ukraine, we can serve as the bridge between producers and receivers. Beyond Ukraine, we also see rising opportunities in Africa and shifts in US trade policy. Being flexible and proactive will be key.
