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Germany’s Kukla to rival JF Hillebrand

[ August 2, 2017   //   Chris ]

German-owned freight forwarder Robert Kukla has launched a UK beverage logistics subsidiary and has recruited a team from of rival operator, JF Hillebrand.

The Brentwood, north-east London-based company will be led by managing director, Steve Wood (Pictured second from left and below), along with commercial director Lynda Simms, operations director Martin Jacobs and general manager, Hannah Webb.

The new company has taken over the parent company’s existing transport business in the UK which, said Steve Wood would allow the new company “to hit the ground running”.

Initially, he would establish close relationships with Kukla’s other local operations “so we can offer new clients a strong European network of freight services.”

Steve Woods and the other directors have a direct stake in the new business. He added: “Being a part of Kukla’s network is the platform we need to grow and we see that happening very quickly. We understand beverage logistics, we know who the right people are to talk to in the industry and we can provide a unique service with a real hands-on professional approach.”

Managing partner of Robert Kukla in Germany, Knut Sander, said the new UK subsidiary would fit well with its other overseas companies in Stockholm, Breda, Bilbao, Genoa and Moscow.

Steve Wood added: “Despite the concerns about Brexit the beverage logistics’ sector in the UK is built on strong knowledge and attention to service details. We start with a full range of services from simple freight forwarding through to highly specialised and bespoke services that cover the whole range of beverages. The name may be new to the UK but we have been around long enough to know the people and the mechanics needed to provide a class-leading logistics operation for any type of beverage.”

Tags: Kukla