In spite of a slowdown in international markets, the Hoyer group's revenue in 2000 increased by 16.16%, and the number of its employees rose from 2,950 to 3,600. However, since previous results could not be secured, the organization sees 2001 as a year of consolidation.
In 2000, the company invested heavily in rail logistics. After restructuring, the new company — Hoyer Railserv — established the first private mixed-train transports between Cologne and Hamburg, Germany. Co-operation with BASF AG, Bertschi AG, and VTG Lehnkering AG led to the joint venture Rail4Chem in spring 2001. The main objective of this company is to transport large quantities of goods over long distances by rail.
Hoyer's new logistics center at Dormagen, covering 90,000 square meters, with a direct rail connection to the network of intermodal transports in the works, will further strengthen the Hoyer group. The center offers services for all sectors of industry, and facilities include a container depot, a warehouse for hazardous goods, repair shops for tank containers and trucks, and a gasoline station. Products from the chemical, foodstuffs, and gas industry can be handled.
At Hoyer Foodstuffs Logistics, a sizeable amount has been invested in streamlining information technology. All vehicles now are monitored by satellite tracking systems. A joint venture was set up earlier in 2001 with the forwarding company Hammelmann. The pan-European transport network for liquid and powdered products will be expanded and enhanced.
In a partnership with the forwarding company Wimmer/Altenmarkt, Hoyer Gaslog was founded and will be integrated in the business unit of gas logistics. Hoyer Gaslog will develop new solutions for handling and transporting airgas across Europe.
Hoyer's main focus this year is on implementing measures for structural improvement. A central dispatch system will be introduced to ensure optimum-capacity use of the transport fleet.