The Chemistry is Right
Interview with Tom Enkel, Managing Director of NELO Gesellschaft für Verkehrs- und Industrielogistik mbH
When dangerous chemicals are transported and stored, it requires special expertise. Logistics companies must constantly face new challenges regarding safety and sustainability. Geopolitical developments also affect the business. NELO Gesellschaft für Verkehrs- und Industrielogistik mbH from Neuss is familiar with all aspects of chemical logistics and beyond, and has the best conditions at the new location in Neuss Harbor.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Enkel, you have been the managing director of NELO since 2016, but have been with the company for a longer period. What did your personal development at NELO look like?
Tom Enkel: I have been working for NELO since I was 17 years old, when I started my training as a forwarding agent. In 2007, I pursued further education to become a state-certified business economist while working. In 2014, I was granted procuration, and two years later, in 2016, I took over the management and acquired 20% of the company shares. The year 2020 marked a turning point. It was not only the beginning of the pandemic but also the year when our main client, a chemical trader, made us an offer to buy shares. The takeover was realized just one year later by Inter-Harz GmbH. Since then, we have been 100% owned by Inter-Harz and continue working to position ourselves as logistics experts in the chemical industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: The requirements for the logistics industry have continuously changed in the past. What impact has this had on the history of NELO?
Tom Enkel: When I started at NELO in 2003, it was owner-managed. The focus at that time was on truck traffic; ten vehicles were in operation for a beverage distributor. In 2011, there was an abrupt end to beverage logistics when after more than 20 years of business relations, the contract was terminated and the course was reset. We recognized the potential that lies in warehouse logistics, and we have continuously expanded this area and leased additional storage halls.
Wirtschaftsforum: Have there been any notable developments in the recent past?
Tom Enkel: We have been located at the Neuss inland port since the company's founding and benefit from a strategically excellent traffic-connected location in the heart of Europe. Major corporations such as Henkel and Bayer are located in the immediate vicinity. Since the first of January this year, we have established a second site here at Duisburger Straße 11, with a total of 10,000 m2 of warehouse space and 24,000 pallet spaces for hazardous goods. This expansion in the Neuss area was very important to us with an eye to the future.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is the company positioned overall?
Tom Enkel: Our strength lies in covering the entire business. We serve customers as an all-in-one provider for imports and exports by road, rail, and ship, and even when it comes to transporting a 200-gram bag to a specific destination. All-in-service means that we handle transportation as well as customs processing, picking, storage, and handling – all with our own staff. We have 25 employees.
Wirtschaftsforum: The company was long owner-managed. Has the culture changed after the takeover?
Tom Enkel: No. We still see ourselves as a family, there's strong cohesion. Many employees have been with us for many years, completed their training at NELO, and stayed. That's exactly our goal - to retain employees. That's why we place great emphasis on training and further education; we promote the development of our employees.
Wirtschaftsforum: NELO started with trucks and now focuses more on warehouse logistics. It comes from the beverage logistics and is today a specialist in chemical logistics. Where exactly is the focus of activity?
Tom Enkel: Our core competency lies in imports and exports via Antwerp and Rotterdam. Customer-specific picking forms another focus. In particular, in chemical logistics, there are strict regulations and elaborate processes. That's why continuous training is extremely important. Because the business is so demanding, many are reluctant to approach it.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you give examples of these demanding services?
Tom Enkel: Recently, a tank truck went to Kazakhstan; we have a project handling from Perth to Melbourne, air freight that we bring from the USA to Germany, and sea freight from Europe to Asia and Africa. In addition to this international business, we work for local customers who, for example, store carpets or refrigerators with us; for this, we have an open customs warehouse. We are also certified in GMP+.
Wirtschaftsforum: What prospects do you see for the future?
Tom Enkel: Despite many uncertainties in the market, such as the impact of the U.S. customs policies, I am personally optimistic. With our new location, we have become much more visible and are well positioned for the future.