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The founding of Karl Gross in 1876 marks the beginning of a long corporate history that spans over 150 years. On May 15, 2026, the northern German company, which originated in the timber trade along the Weser River, celebrated this anniversary. Today, Karl Gross has evolved into a globally operating logistics service provider that organizes transportation across all modes of transport, with a particular focus on project and heavy cargo shipments by sea.
From the beginnings to global expansion
The headquarters of Karl Gross is located in Bremen, near the historic harbor. Originally founded in Brake, the company expanded its activities to Bremen and Bremerhaven in 1897. Over the years, additional locations in Germany as well as international branches in the Netherlands, China, the USA, and Vietnam were added. This expansion is also reflected in the broadened transport activities, which now include forwarding, shipping, and ship brokerage in addition to the timber trade.
Martin Kollmann (left), managing director since 2010, emphasizes that the company’s flexibility to adapt to economic changes is a central component of its corporate philosophy. Steffen W. Fulst (right), who has been with the company since 2006, adds that the development of new business areas, such as in renewable energies, is of great importance.
Corporate culture and employee retention
The corporate culture at Karl Gross is characterized by long tenures. Currently, around 250 employees work for the company, many of whom have been with the company for several years. Management emphasizes the importance of teamwork and loyalty, which is also evident in international management positions. The promotion of employees, particularly regarding work-life balance, is another aspect of the corporate philosophy.
The restructuring to „Karl Gross Deutschland“ between 2023 and 2025 has increased efficiency in customer communication. The formation of decentralized teams enables a professional unit that operates across locations. These changes are part of a continuous adaptation to market conditions.
Commitment to renewable energies
An example of the company’s adaptability is its entry into the renewable energy sector. Karl Gross has established a hazardous goods warehouse for lithium-ion batteries in Europe and acquired the Dutch DVR Group to expand this business area. Revenue from this sector now accounts for approximately 7% of total revenue.
The company’s transport activities are diverse: about half of the revenue comes from traditional container shipments, while the other half consists of project and heavy cargo shipments. The Bremen ports, particularly Bremerhaven and the Neustädter Hafen, play a central role in the logistics processes.
Overall, the history of Karl Gross demonstrates how a company can develop and adapt over 150 years while simultaneously preserving its roots in the region. The combination of tradition and innovation remains an essential part of the corporate strategy.
