All the signs point to expansion

Whether fragile supply chains, rising customer expectations, climate change or the shortage of skilled people – the challenges in the logistics industry are intensifying. Those who do not want to fall by the wayside in these times need courage and the will to transform. CEO Alessandro Cacciola explains in this interview how the Andreas Schmid Group is constantly adapting to new challenges.

The world of logistics is one of continuously increasing dynamism. How is the Andreas Schmid Group responding?
Alessandro Cacciola: Our strategy plays to our strengths. Customised logistics also means maximum adaptability to new situations and customer requirements as well as the ability to cope with crises. This ability is the word on everyone‘s lips, especially under the keyword resilience. We have used the Corona period to look intensively inwards. Now, as a logical consequence, we are looking outwards and doing what we were unable to do during the pandemic, i.e. push ahead with our strategy of internationalisation. In this way, we are also enabling many of our customers to make their supplychains more resilient. This is a concern that more and more companies are voicing in view of the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

You have now been CEO of the Andreas Schmid Group for five years. How would you sum up this time?
Alessandro Cacciola: These past years were times of great change, starting with the jointly developed strategy and through to a new IT landscape and an innovative corporate design. Of course, many unforeseen events, such as the Corona crisis or the war in Ukraine, have intensified these changes. Such a far-reaching transformation can only succeed if all the colleagues are on board. I am all the happier that we have not only mastered the transformation up to this point together, but that our cohesion, commitment and team spirit have become even stronger in process, because our team members are our most valuable asset. That is why we have also invested a lot in personnel development and benefits, so that all our colleagues are supported in their individual development processes in the best possible way. With this team, we now want to access international markets continue to positively develop our revenue as well as the company‘s success.

The Andreas Schmid Group made a big impression at the transport logistic trade fair in May. How do you rate the success of the trade fair?
Alessandro Cacciola: The transport logistic was an excellent opportunity for us to show how the Andreas Schmid Group has transformed itself in recent years. The visitor response to our stand showed me that our message has been understood: the Andreas Schmid Group is more than just a local freight forwarder in the Augsburg area. We are already able to convince customers with our outstanding services throughout Europe and ready to continue growing internationally.

Looking ahead to the next five years, where do you see the Andreas Schmid Group?
Alessandro Cacciola: All the signs point to expansion. Both in other European countries and at our headquarters. In mid-2023, two new plots of land were acquired in the Augsburg area, which are now available for development. In addition, our European terminal will be extended in 2024. On a personal note, I am pleased with the positive development of our international locations. Establishing a new national company always entails a certain amount of risk, especially in these current turbulent times. Nevertheless, we can look back on a successful start to our new national companies in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, which has also enabled us to enter into discussions with new potential international customers. This confirms our course. In five years’ time, the Andreas Schmid Group will be 100 years old and and we hope to be be able to celebrate this anniversary with an even bigger team.