2023 Results of Bertschi with a 15 Percent Decline in Revenue

The Bertschi Group had to cope with a 15% decline in revenue in 2023. After the record year of 2022, revenue now amounted to 960 million. The volume declines that had already begun a year earlier continued in 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 had risen sharply during the COVID-19 phase have normalized. With supply chains largely functioning smoothly again in 2023, some overcapacities have emerged. 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 handled on the road. Hydrated vegetable oil (HVO) is used as fuel, which powers both the terminal vehicles and the trucks. This can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional road transport. Following these successful implementations, the concept is 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 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 allows us to support our customers in their expansion plans in China on-site and to further develop the import market for liquid specialty chemicals. It also 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 the container fleet. The fleet grew by 7% in 2023 to 44,000 units.

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

Significant Investments and New JV in Japan in 2024

In 2024, the global economic situation, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties, is expected to remain challenging. 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 recessionary situation 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 the volatility in the markets make it difficult to provide a forecast for us as well as for our customers. 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 take another step closer to the goal of CO2 neutrality by 2050. Following initial trials in Scandinavia and Germany last year, the first electrically powered heavy 40-ton trucks will now be deployed at the Birrfeld transshipment terminal (CH), and corresponding charging stations will be installed. Further NetZero concepts are to be developed and implemented. In addition, Bertschi is heavily investing in expanding the 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 go into operation 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 the costs and customer benefits of global supply chains and increase 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 with the Uyeno Group, Tokyo (Japan), established in 2023, contributes to the expansion of the global network. The joint venture with the significant Japanese family business active in chemical logistics and chemical trading will commence operations in 2024 and enable further growth in the Japanese market in the area of tank container services.

Winning the Prix SVC Nordschweiz

Hansjörg Bertschi presents the Prix SVC

A special honor was bestowed upon the Bertschi Group with the award of the Prix SVC Nordschweiz. The renowned award, which is only given every two years, aims to highlight successful companies and honor their achievements. Bertschi secured the top spot in a highly competitive field of nominated companies from all sectors of the economy and was awarded the prize for its pioneering work and commitment in the areas of sustainability, safety, and innovation.

Hans-Jörg Bertschi expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award and directed his words specifically to 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