Result 2023 of Bertschi with a revenue decline of 15 percent

The Bertschi Group had to cope with a 15% decline in revenue in 2023. After the record year of 2022, revenue now stands at 960 million. The volume declines that began a year earlier continued into 2023. The chemical industry, as the main customer sector of the Bertschi Group, is suffering in Europe from persistently high gas and electricity prices and a general weakness in sales. This has led to significant declines in European traffic.

(Dürrenäsch) In the business of global overseas transport, the shipping prices that surged during the COVID-19 phase have normalized. With supply chains largely functioning smoothly again in 2023, some overcapacities have come to light. These factors are putting pressure on margins, accentuated by a strengthened Swiss franc. As a result, a significant decline in revenue of 15% to CHF 960 million had to be recorded. “After the record year of 2022, we faced an economically challenging environment last year. Nevertheless, we are pleased that we were able to achieve a positive business result despite the significant economic headwinds,” says Hans-Jörg Bertschi, Executive Chairman of the Bertschi Group.

First green Europe-wide supply chains realized

With innovative customer pilot projects, several nearly CO2-neutral door-to-door supply chains across Europe were realized in 2023 by linking intermodal rail transport with trucks powered by biofuels. Bertschi already handles 90% of all European land transport via intermodal rail transport, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by 230,000 tons annually. The focus of these projects was on optimizing the first and last mile of the supply chain, which is managed on the road. Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is used as fuel, powering both terminal vehicles and trucks. This allows for a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 90% compared to conventional road transport. Following these successful implementations, the concept is set to be expanded to additional supply chains. These are important steps for the Bertschi Group to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2050.

Opening of Chemical Logistics Center in China as the largest single investment

After several years of planning, approval, and construction, Bertschi officially opened the new chemical logistics center in Zhangjiagang (China) in mid-2023 with a ceremony attended by customers, political representatives, and employees. The storage and filling center, with a capacity of 25,000 tons of liquid products stored in tank containers and 25,000 tons of packaged goods, as well as automatic filling systems, is strategically located in the Yangtze Delta, not far from Shanghai. “The new hub enables us to support our customers in their expansion plans in China on-site and to further develop the import market for liquid specialty chemicals. Additionally, it complements Bertschi’s global logistics network ideally and enables worldwide door-to-door supply chain solutions,” says Jan Arnet, CEO of the Bertschi Group.

In addition to this largest single investment in the company’s history, Bertschi has advanced various logistics infrastructure projects in Europe and continued to invest in expanding its container fleet. The fleet grew by 7% to 44,000 units in 2023.

Significant progress has also been made in the company’s digital transformation. This has solidified its leading market position regarding visibility and transparency in transport chains of chemical logistics. For example, in European traffic, customers are informed in real-time about deviations from planned arrival dates through automated notifications, providing full transparency regarding the delivery status of their products. Another milestone is approaching with the planned replacement of the existing systems for global transport planning and execution with a fully integrated, innovative in-house development in 2024.

Significant investments and new JV in Japan in 2024

In 2024, the global economic situation is expected to remain challenging, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties. Particularly, Bertschi’s global business is proving to be volatile and challenging in the new year. In contrast, the decline in transport volumes caused by the recession in the European industry is expected to have reached its low point in the second half of 2023. Demand in our European business is likely to stabilize at a low level in 2024. “The disruptions in global supply chains that have re-emerged at the beginning of 2024, the significant geopolitical uncertainties, and market volatility make it difficult for us and our customers to provide a forecast. A positive effect may be that customers are increasingly building containerized safety stocks with us to access their products flexibly and promptly,” comments Jan Arnet.

2024 to bring another step closer to CO2 neutrality

Bertschi also aims to use 2024 to move closer to the goal of CO2 neutrality by 2050. Following initial trials in Scandinavia and Germany last year, the first electrically operated heavy 40-ton trucks will now be deployed at the Birrfeld terminal (CH), with corresponding charging stations installed. This will enable the development and implementation of further NetZero concepts. Additionally, Bertschi is investing heavily in expanding European rail and transshipment infrastructure for road/rail/water. Currently, a large trimodal transshipment terminal with container storage infrastructure, including hazardous goods, is under construction in Antwerp, which will be operational in the second half of 2024. Similarly, in the trimodal terminal in Rotterdam, the installation of a second portal crane will significantly expand transshipment and storage capacities. Due to the ongoing geographical diversification of global supply chains, Bertschi expects increasing demand for these new capacities in the coming years.

In addition to investments in expanding the container fleet, the main focus at the global level is on the successful implementation of door-to-door logistics concepts. With the new hub in Zhangjiagang (CN) and the existing chemical hubs in Singapore and Europe, Bertschi offers its customers a top-notch network to optimize costs and customer benefits of global supply chains and enhance their efficiency. Bertschi’s dense infrastructure in Europe creates exciting opportunities to integrate the storage and distribution of products on the continent into global flows. The partnership established in 2023 with the Uyeno Group, Tokyo (Japan), contributes to expanding the global network. The joint venture with the significant Japanese family-owned company active in chemical logistics and trading will commence operations in 2024 and enable further growth in the Japanese market in the area of tank container services.

Winner of the Prix SVC Nordschweiz

Hansjörg Bertschi presents the Prix SVC

The Bertschi Group was honored with the award of the Prix SVC Nordschweiz. This prestigious award, given only every two years, aims to highlight successful companies and honor their achievements. Bertschi secured the top position in a highly competitive field of nominated companies from all sectors of the economy and was awarded for its pioneering work and commitment in the areas of sustainability, safety, and innovation.

Hans-Jörg Bertschi expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award, specifically addressing the employees: “It is an honor for us to receive the Prix SVC Nordschweiz 2023. This achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment and hard work of Bertschi’s employees. They are the driving force behind our success, and we share this award with each and every one of them.”

Photos: © Bertschi