Auer/Istanbul – Gruber Logistics counts on the expertise of Rifat Cicek to expand its activities in Türkiye. Since the beginning of the second half of this year, he has taken on the position of Branch Director and is responsible for implementing the corporate strategy of the logistics company from South Tyrol in the region. This strategy focuses on direct management in order to systematise its local presence in the two offices. In view of the increased strategic importance of Türkiye and the entire Mediterranean region for international trade, Gruber Logistics expanded into the Turkish market at the beginning of 2023. The key tasks of Rifat Cicek include the further development of the company in Türkiye, in particular through sales growth, the expansion of the team and the opening of further branches in addition to Istanbul and Izmir.
As the gateway between Europe and Asia, Türkiye is considered a hub for international economic trade. With a foreign trade volume of around 20 trillion US dollars, the country is an important player in the global economic system. Italy, Germany and France are among Türkiye’s strongest foreign trade partners. Gruber Logistics is already represented in these three economies with more than 40 branches. The long-established company offers services ranging from full and part loads, groupage and warehouse logistics to large and special transport, project cargo, air and sea freight.
With over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry and extensive expertise in corporate development, Rifat Cicek is ideally prepared to achieve his ambitious goals for Gruber Logistics in Türkiye. “I plan to establish Gruber Logistics even more firmly in the Turkish market and to anchor our corporate values in the local economy. Our unique philosophy will be implemented in the existing and planned branches. Above all, I expect sustainable growth – not only through a double-digit increase in turnover, but also by expanding our presence with the new offices mentioned above and a young and dynamic team from the current 5 to more than 20 employees,” says Rifat Cicek.
He also describes the Turkish-Italian trade relations, which have a volume of around 23 billion US dollars, as the main focus of Gruber Logistics in Türkiye. Around 70 percent of these goods flows are managed logistically from the country, which is located on two continents. Rifat Cicek emphasizes: “Our local customers benefit from Gruber Logistics’ almost 90 years of experience in the industry. In addition to their respective transport or logistics requirements, we offer them a comprehensive product portfolio with solutions from a single source, a so-called one-stop shop, if required.”
Marcello Corazzola, Managing Director at Gruber Logistics, shares this positive outlook for Gruber Logistics in Türkiye: “As an important factor for global economic growth, Türkiye is also a central link for cultural and economic networks. With the appointment of Rifat Cicek as Branch Director, we are now accelerating our already strong presence and driving forward our expansion in the country. With our extensive logistics expertise, we are also promoting the further development of this Eurasian nation.”
Transport & Logistics – Driving The Industry Forward
