Finland-based K Hartwall, a leading provider of returnable logistics solutions, has revealed the acquisition of A&A Logistik-Equipment, a German company providing logistics equipment for various industries.

K Hartwall was founded in 1932 in Söderkulla. It is a global market leader with headquarters and innovation centre in Finland. The company develop logistics solutions primarily aimed at retail companies, postal services and the automotive industry, said a statement.

Among K Hartwall’s customers are industry leaders like Schaeffler, Royal Mail, Havi Logistics and Bosch. K.Hartwall Oy Ab operates in highly competitive global markets, where it succeeds by being close to its customers with innovative load carriers and services. The company has a turnover of €55 million ($64.3 million) and 160 employees.

A&A was founded in 1992 and is located in Heidenau near Hamburg, Germany. The business is currently divided into two core segments: standard equipment and special projects for customers in various industrial segments.

Since the start the company has shown a strong focus on innovation. In 2011 the Elephantboard conquered the market. It is a versatile Dolly that you can modulate according to your needs. Latest in the family is the LiftLiner Tugger train system.

A&A is also a frontrunner in developing and supplying customised Automatic Guided Vechicles (AGV’s).  The company has a turnover of €4 million ($4.67 million) and 25 employees.

Frank Haltermann, CEO and co-owner of A&A, said: “The acquisition strengthens both parts of our business by widening our expertise and product range to offer better services to our customers.”

“We have always been working on developing innovative solutions to help our customers to improve the workflow within their supply chain,” he added.

Jerker Hartwall, CEO of K Hartwall, said: “By putting together our strengths we become a major global market player in material handling equipment.”

“Our experience in lean logistics management and international trade gets combined with the A&A expertise. This will enable us to attract new customers and enter new markets as one strong, unified team. We are very proud of this step we are taking together,” he said.

“We are very pleased with our new acquisition as we share the same goal to facilitate efficient supply chains and improve distribution processes in manufacturing locations,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service