Bertschi Breaks Through the “Revenue Sound Barrier” of One Billion

Bertschi successfully established itself in 2021 in a challenging environment and demonstrated the robustness of its business model. With CHF 1.02 billion, the company achieved a record revenue and surpassed the billion mark for the first time. While the revenue growth across the group was 13%, the growth in global business, especially in Asia, was significantly stronger than in the European business.

(Dürrenäsch) The revenue share of global logistics at Bertschi Group increased from 34% to 40%. “This extraordinary performance is due to the efforts of all involved, especially considering that Bertschi only started its global activities in Asia, America, and the Middle East ten years ago,” says Hans-Jörg Bertschi, Executive Chairman of Bertschi Group.

“Such growth would not have been possible without the great personal commitment of all employees, especially in the current situation of the pandemic and disrupted supply chains,” explains Jan Arnet, CEO of Bertschi Group. The workforce was increased by 60 new positions to 3,160 employees in 2021. “With the stronger global orientation, the company culture has also evolved and enriched. This is evident when you consider that employees from all continents work at the headquarters in Dürrenäsch and nearly 40 different languages are spoken,” says Jan Arnet.

Expansion of Logistics Infrastructure and Container Fleet

With investments of CHF 100 million, Bertschi expanded its logistics infrastructure in 2021. This includes the doubling of storage capacities for containerized chemical products in Rotterdam and Middlesbrough (UK), as well as the construction of a new chemical logistics hub in China. On the other hand, the fleet of tank and silo containers was increased by more than 2,000 units. At the beginning of 2022, Bertschi was able to put the 40,000th container into circulation.

Opening of New China Chemical Logistics Center

Bertschi expects stable economic development this year. “The positive trend from 2021 will continue, even if growth rates may weaken due to the advanced cycle,” says Jan Arnet. Nevertheless, Bertschi will maintain its high investment pace in 2022. In Antwerp, the construction of a significant hazardous goods tank container warehouse will begin. Additionally, expansions of existing logistics facilities are planned in Duisburg, Schwarzheide, and the Netherlands.

In mid-2022, the new logistics center for liquid chemical hazardous goods in Zhangjiagang in the Yangtze River Delta near Shanghai will be opened. It consists of a tank container hazardous goods warehouse for up to 1,000 containers, automated filling systems, and three warehouses for different classes of hazardous goods with a total of 25,000 pallet spaces. The annual capacity of the facility is between 300,000 and 400,000 tons. “This investment will further strengthen our position in the Chinese market, where we already have a strong position with tank container transports to and from China,” believes Hans-Jörg Bertschi.

In mid-2022, the new logistics center for liquid chemical hazardous goods in Zhangjiagang in the Yangtze River Delta near Shanghai will be opened.

Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Bertschi is consistently pursuing its digitalization strategy. Last year, the visibility of intermodal transport chains was implemented with automated status and ETA notifications to customers with over 99% coverage. Bertschi is also investing heavily in more efficient planning systems for European and global transport management. Further implementations are planned for 2022.

In 2021, Bertschi began its journey towards climate-neutral logistics. With over 90% of all European transports being intermodal, the company starts with a favorable CO2 balance. “We continue to invest in intermodal transport via environmentally friendly rail, including terminal infrastructure. Additionally, we plan to gradually transition road transport to and from the terminals to climate-neutral energy sources starting in 2024,” says Hans-Jörg Bertschi. Furthermore, additional measures for CO2 reduction and the use of photovoltaics for sustainable power generation are planned at the company locations. Bertschi has implemented its first project with 44,000 square meters of solar panels on the roofs of the logistics center in Singapore.

Photos: © Bertschi