Pan-European parcel service provider GLS has expanded its network in Southern Europe. As of August 1st, GLS Croatia has commenced operations, offering domestic services and international connections.
One month after Croatia’s accession to the European Union, GLS is present throughout the country thanks to its network of connections. Initially, the company will cover four locations: Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, and Osijek, which were established between the company’s founding at the end of May. The GLS Group previously served Croatia through cooperation with a network partner.
– We place great emphasis on the ability to offer our international customers from the eastern EU markets short delivery times and comprehensive services – says Rico Back, CEO of the GLS Group. – Establishing our own companies has been successful here in the past.
GLS sees Croatia as a market with growth potential, as the country’s economy will, among other things, benefit from EU membership. – As soon as customs borders are removed, the natural demand for “on-time” delivery will increase, which is why local presence is so important – emphasizes Back. Gergely Farkas, Managing Director of GLS Europe East, will manage the new branch of the company.
Good network, short delivery time
The branch near Zagreb (Popovec) also serves as a national distribution hub equipped with modern security technologies and an automated parcel sorting system compliant with GLS standards. – From the very beginning, we will deliver domestic parcels in Croatia within a standard delivery time of 24 hours – explains Gergely Farkas. – Many additional services, such as cash on delivery and notifying private recipients of upcoming deliveries, will also be available immediately.
International transit is also routed through Zagreb. Daily transports connect Croatia westward with Ljubljana (Slovenia), Ansfelden (Austria), and the GLS European hub in Neuenstein (Germany), while a fast connection to Eastern Europe is possible thanks to the GLS sorting center in Budapest (Hungary). From Croatia, GLS delivers parcels to countries such as Hungary and Slovenia in a standard time of 24 to 48 hours. Shipments from these countries reach Croatia just as quickly. International parcels from the European hub in Neuenstein typically arrive in Croatia within 72 hours.
Successful development of new companies in Eastern Europe
GLS Croatia is the fourth new GLS company in this region, following Slovakia (2004), the Czech Republic (2005), and Romania (2007). GLS has been present in Hungary with its own branch since 1999, and in Slovenia since 2000. Rico Back summarizes: – Establishing our own company in Croatia is part of our network expansion strategy. Europe is our main market, and EU countries are obviously at the center of our focus.