Australia: a. hartrodt acquires OTS Group

The Australian subsidiary of a. hartrodt announces that it has acquired the OTS Group in Melbourne on August 20, 2021. Overseas Transport Systems (OTS) includes OTS Australia (OTSA) and OTS Plus (OTSP). They form a separate division of a. hartrodt Australia, and the independent brand will remain in place for 18 to 24 months. OTSA is specialized in international freight forwarding and customs clearance. The focus is on LCL import cargo from the Mediterranean, Germany and China. OTSP operates a 6,100 square meter bonded warehouse in Melbourne and offers 3PL services as well as national distribution.

LCL consolidation for small and medium-sized enterprises

Cinzia Sangalli, who founded OTSA and OTSP in 2004/2014, remains responsible for the 22 employees within the management of a. hartrodt Australia as Director Sales. "In Australia, one of a. hartrodt's strengths is the FCL and airfreight business, while OTS is strong in the consolidation of LCL shipments for small and medium-sized companies which complements a. hartrodt’s business perfectly," explains the 62-year-old.

Wine, interior design, spare parts made in Italy

While OTSP specializes in wine and alcohol imports from Italy, one focus of OTSA is on high-quality interior design made in Italy. In addition, spare parts and machinery for the agricultural, engineering or mining industries are imported from Italy and Germany. That's why the Italian native, who has worked in the Australian logistics sector for nearly three decades, was looking for a European buyer for her company. "In the next three years, we want a. hartrodt to become one of the top three forwarders in the Italian market for Australian customers," she states her aim. In Italy, a. hartrodt has 30 employees with headquarters in Genoa.

Dirk Haarhaus, Regional Director Oceania at a. hartrodt in Sydney, plans to merge the warehouse facilities of OTSP and a. hartrodt in Melbourne in 2022. "Initially, OTSA colleagues will move to our Melbourne office at the end of 2021," he says. In Australia, a. hartrodt is now present with 180 people at five locations.