In recent years, Militzer & Münch has established a number of country units in the Asia-Pacific economic area. In this interview, Andreas Löwenstein, Regional Managing Director Asia/Far East, talks about the underlying strategy, current developments, and plans for the future.
Mr. Löwenstein, Militzer & Münch has been growing strategically in the Asia-Pacific region for several years now. What sparked this development?
For many years, we were not particularly well represented in this region with our own companies. Only in China have we been active since 1981. Sri Lanka was added in 2018. In 2021, we began to establish country units in many other countries in quick succession. So far, these include Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Singapore.
The Asia-Pacific region has long been known as a high-growth economic area with its own rules, opportunities, and risks. It is very much in line with our long-term strategy to establish our own network in this part of the world.
Are you satisfied with Militzer & Münch’s development there?
We are really happy with how our business is developing. Until a few years ago, our brand was hardly known outside China in most East Asian countries. That has changed significantly.
The success also lies in the consolidation and growth of our structures and in the contribution this region makes to our existing network. Our European customers welcome this, and the extent to which we are able to win new customers indicates that this additional regional focus is benefiting the company.
Our intra-Asian transport operations are developing dynamically. We also handle complex large-scale projects in the region. I am thinking, for example, of the relocation of entire production facilities from China to Indonesia. In addition to such demanding projects, however, our focus is on the steady growth of our customer base and our regular freight forwarding business.
What are the strengths of the Militzer & Münch Group?
Our strength lies in our employees. We have experienced logistics experts with excellent technical and local knowledge in the markets in which we operate. Every country comes with its own challenges, which our experienced employees meet with a customized approach.
What does the future hold for Militzer & Münch in the Asia-Pacific region?
We can envisage entering further markets. The general focus, however, is on consolidation and growth within the group – albeit certainly with an emphasis on intra-Asian transports.
