176 years of intelligent logistics solutions

176 years of transport and logistics, the company in the hands of the fourth generation of the family: Die Spedition Wackler from Göppingen in Baden-Württemberg proves that it has always been able to keep up with the times with a great deal of expertise and success in general cargo logistics. “We know that we must not rest on past successes, but are always launching new and further services, especially in logistics,” says 30-year-old Maximilian Schwarz, who is to take over in a few years as the fifth generation. What is needed, he says, are innovative solutions that are geared very closely to the customer.

That’s why Wackler has joined forces in a joint venture with e-commerce company elektro-plus, among others, which offers web store solutions for online retailing of electrical, household and garden appliances. “We can thus implement entire online stores for our customers and offer the entire fullfilment chain as an e-commerce service.” This is accompanied by a high level of expertise in the area of returns processing: “Goods that are ordered and then returned by parcel service provider or via a freight forwarder are among the most complex tasks in our industry in terms of logistical processes,” says Schwarz. “We have gained plenty of experience here to be able to meet these complex requirements.” Wackler takes care of all services from planning to control and inspection of returned goods. “If these phases run efficiently, it is possible to reduce throughput times, optimize internal warehouse and shipping processes, sustainably reduce the costs of returns, and also relieve personnel through outsourcing. Orderers benefit because their orders and returns are processed faster.”

The company also wants to offer its customers a high value chain: “For example, we run a small assembly center where we can manufacture components – comparable to an extended workbench,” explains Maximilian Schwarz. This also saves transport costs: customers then outsource their warehouse and small assembly steps can already be carried out there. “There is no need for transport between their central warehouse and production. Otherwise, the parts would sometimes be brought here three times from the central warehouse to production, then back to the warehouse on hold if necessary, and back to the line.”

“However, the fact that we are always looking ahead has long been anchored in our corporate culture,” explains Maximilian Schwarz. “Among other things, our external advisory board helps us regularly think outside the box and build visions for our company and our employees beyond the tactical planning horizon.” He himself has always been fascinated by transportation and logistics: “The complexity that lies in the general cargo business is exciting, as is the challenge that in logistics you always have to be fast and always offer customer-oriented solutions.” He likes the fact that he is working in an industry “with a very bright future”: “Advancing globalization alone means that more and more intelligent logistics solutions are in demand.” As the future head of the company, Maximilian Schwarz’s main aim is to continue to drive the healthy and sustainable growth of the group. “The most important goal, of course, is to be a safe and good employer for the people who work at our sites in Göppingen and Dresden – today and in the future.”