Swabia is one of the “top logistics regions” in Germany, as identified by Fraunhofer SCS. The newly founded Swabian Logistics Cluster (LCS), with the aim of finding out more about the strengths of this particular region, situated on both sides of the Rivers Iller and Danube, commissioned the production of a “Swabian logistics atlas” with the support of the chambers of commerce of Swabia and Ulm.

“In the ‘atlas’, Swabia comes more clearly into focus and its profile as a ‘supply chain region’ is significantly increased,” comments the vice chairman of the cluster. “This means that the needs of the economy are being met extremely well in accordance with functioning supply chains and across the boundaries of individual businesses. The necessary management functions are especially well fulfilled.”

It just takes the right mix

“Not every logistics location can meet all the logistical demands at the same time,” explains Uwe Veres-Homm, one of the two authors of the study from Fraunhofer SCS. The Swabia region scores highly by providing the right framework conditions for all five logistics types. This makes the region stand out from other logistics locations which concentrate strongly on just one type. Berlin is one such example, as its focus is on supplying the local agglomeration. The very mix of different logistics types is formative for the profile of the region of Swabia. Which makes it attractive for the needs and demands of companies’ supply chains. “That’s why logistics is Swabia’s catalyser – it joins together value-added networks. In our region, supply chains work,” explains Dr Robert Schönberger, managing director of the cluster since 1 October 2011.

“It’s why we should also make our ‘supply chain region’ visible as a brand and maintain it,” explains the cluster’s chairman. “It’s plain to see that logistics means far more for this region than just the transporting and handling of goods.” The strengths of Swabia as a logistics location can be summed up in seven key statements:

- Strong logistics locations are sustainable and secure. 
- Logistics is a growth driver in the region. 
- Medium-sized businesses are the leading force of logistics in Swabia. 
- Swabia is the “supply chain region”. 
- Swabia’s “trade balance” is positive. 
- Swabia is a leader in logistics training and education. 
- Swabia has space to offer for logistics settlements.

Logistics employment as an example

The “logistics atlas” shows that over 9.2 percent of all employees subject to social insurance contribution work for either logistics companies or in logistics functions in manufacturing and trade. In some parts of Swabia this even exceeds 10 percent. Which is approximately 25% above the national average. The only regional industry with an even more pronounced relative strength is mechanical engineering. Logistics is a growth driver for Swabia.

There are two areas in which the location factors are particularly advantageous: 

Logistics which is close to production: Industry-oriented contract logistics benefits from the above average presence of manufacturing businesses in the area. Seen the other way around, both manufacturing and trade can be built on the “value-added services” of the logistics industry: for example, the assembly and quality control of modules required for the production process, the customised finishing or assembly of sales materials for display. “The atlas shows that Swabia’s logistics clearly offers locational advantages while providing benefits for other companies at the same time,” says Veres-Homm.

Central distribution: Swabia’s close vicinity to Austria and Switzerland in particular, as well as its advantageous location between the well-funded southern German agglomerations offering good motorway connections to the region, are decisive factors for settlement decisions. 

The “Logistics-Cluster Schwaben e.V.” was founded in Augsburg by 33 renowned companies and medium-sized businesses from the transport and logistics industry, manufacturing and trade as well as the chambers of commerce from Swabia and Ulm. The goal of this industry initiative is – based on the idea of the cluster – to closely collaborate for the benefit of the overall region with regard to science, local authorities, politics and business developers.

The cluster was founded by:

Andreas Schmid Logistik AG, Gersthofen
Augsburger Localbahn GmbH, Augsburg
Dachser GmbH & Co. KG, Kempten
Finsterwalder Transport & Logistik GmbH, Türkheim
Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH, Augsburg
Honold Logistik Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG, Neu-Ulm
Roman Mayer GmbH, Augsburg
Spedition Nuber GmbH, Augsburg
Seifert Logistics GmbH, Ulm


For further information and to download the Swabian logistics atlas visit:
www.logistik-schwaben.de