The customers of Saarland's logistics companies are satisfied to very satisfied with the companies' range and services. This has been shown by a study carried out on behalf of gwSaar Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftsförderung Saar mbH in conjunction with the Saarland Logistics Initiative.

The level of technology, border traffic know-how and the high level of research were praised by 80% of those questioned. This expertise in addition to well-thought-out IT solutions and efficient industry offers were named as prominent regional strengths.

"Time and time again, Saarland shows that it is a great logistical location. The logistics companies located in Saarland primarily account for the quality of the location, in addition to excellent infrastructure and a beneficial geographical location. This study confirms the high level of expertise which we can offer here" Joachim Kiefaber, State Secretary for Economics and member of the Supervisory Board of gwSaar said happily.

The economic significance of logistics for companies is also shown in the study. 75% of companies view logistics as a core skill which generates a competitive advantage. "Regional logistical expertise is also an important topic when managing the location of new business set-ups. Investors are reliant on efficient service providers. This study provides confirmation from customers that Saarland is in the best position regarding logistics" explained Thomas Schuck, Director of gwSaar.

Outsourcing is the classic logistics service provision; in international (up to 85%) and national transport (up to 75%) or the disposal of packaging (70%) or production waste (60%). Significantly, the trend is moving towards a greater demand for contract logistics. Many Saarland logistics companies have reacted to this trend and offer additional customer specific services alongside the traditional services of transport and storage in order to add value. The Saarland Logistics Guide provides an overview of all providers of logistics services in Saarland which can be found on the Internet at www.logistik.saarland.de.

Although business developments have decreased the economic crisis has not caused the demand for the provision of logistics services to drop considerably. A quarter of companies report unchanged or increased demand in 2010.
The study was carried out by Professor Schmidt of the Institute for Production and Logistic Systems.

Saarland Logistics Initiative
The Saarland Logistics Initiative was set up in 2009 under the direction of gwSaar, the Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation. The Saarland Logistics Initiative aims to further expand Saarland’s position as a logistics centre at the heart of Europe by providing a network of driving forces in the economy, in science and administration and actively markets Saarland as a logistics location at home and abroad.

gwSaar Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftsförderung Saar mbH
gwSaar Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftsförderung Saar mbH markets Saarland both in Germany and abroad as a location for business. With their worldwide partner network and excellent industry and location knowledge gwSaar supports investors in all matters concerning the management of location of new business set-ups: from project control planning, accompanying you to permit proceedings to ready to use property. Close collaboration with associated companies SBB Saarland Bau und Boden Projektgesellschaft, LEG Saar Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Saar and Woge Wohnungsgesellschaft Saar guarantees investors a one stop shop.

Further information can be found on the Internet at
www.invest-in-saarland.com.
The Saarland Logistics Initiative www.logistik.saarland.de is directed by gwSaar.

Media contact:
gwSaar  Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftsförderung Saar mbH
Anja Petschauer
Project Manager Marketing and Acquisition
Tel.: 049 (0)681 9965‐310
e‐mail: petschauerinvest-in-saarland.com