The Logistics Location Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Faces Major Challenges

The economy at the logistics location Bonn/Rhein-Sieg demands a rethinking on various points. Renovations of transport routes and more space for logistics companies are being called for. There is also a complaint about the lack of appreciation for the logistics industry. A brochure has also been published on the topic.

(Bonn) Bonn/Rhein-Sieg is a significant logistics location, but it faces major challenges. This is the core message of the current brochure “Logistics Location Bonn/Rhein-Sieg” from the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), which was presented today at a press conference. The brochure addresses the economic framework conditions, the traffic situation in the region, and the demand for skilled workers in the industry, but it also highlights the lack of appreciation. Even though logistics companies make up only one percent of IHK member companies, accounting for three percent of all employees subject to social security contributions, it remains true: “Without logistics, nothing works. Everything that is produced, consumed, or exported is moved by logistics. The industry is a central player in the entire value chain – with the exception of actual production,” states IHK Vice President Sabine Baumann-Duvenbeck.

Traffic Infrastructure Has Aged

The industry shows itself to be very versatile: From letters and parcels to relocations and the transport of 200-ton transformers, everything is handled. This versatility and the actually good accessibility with different modes of transport make Bonn/Rhein-Sieg a strong logistics location. However, the traffic infrastructure has aged and is unable to cope with the growing traffic: “In the past 20 years, the expansion, new construction, and maintenance of transport routes have been neglected. While this is now being partially addressed, it poses immense problems for the industry,” says IHK Managing Director Professor Dr. Stephan Wimmers: “The connection to the transport network will be severely restricted or interrupted in the medium and long term due to dilapidated Rhine bridges or the delay of measures such as the Thousand Feet. This will lead to noticeable economic losses in the logistics industry, but also in the overall economy.”

Inconsistent Behavior of the City of Bonn Creates Uncertainty

Therefore, the regional economy views the current positioning of the city of Bonn against a six-lane expansion of the Thousand Feet critically and advocates for a planning and implementation process of the six-lane structure without further delays. “The inconsistent behavior of the federal city of Bonn regarding the Thousand Feet unsettles the transport industry. We need reliability from politics and administration for our business operations, but also for our own future planning,” Baumann-Duvenbeck continues. In addition to expanding the capacity of transport routes, the brochure also addresses the relocation or avoidance of mobility: A coordinated permanent home office/mobile working dialogue should be established to improve traffic flow during peak hours. Additionally, public transport and mobility stations at hubs should also be further expanded. The creation of a bicycle network decoupled from the main traffic roads can also encourage a shift. “Not every road is suitable for this, but an ideology-free strengthening of cycling increases the safety of all road users and reduces their stress,” says Wimmers.

Additional Space for Logistics Companies Required

Additional space for growing logistics companies as well as initiatives to counteract the shortage of skilled workers – especially among professional drivers – are also being demanded.
Photo: © Loginfo24 / Caption: View of Bonn. The head office of Deutsche Post DHL Group is located in the two high-rise buildings on the right (top). www.ihk-bonn.de