Change in leadership of Züst & Bachmeier Düsseldorf
With effect from October 1, 2022, Marcel Groß took over the management of the Züst & Bachmeier branch in Düsseldorf. Hans Unger, who will enter his well-deserved retirement shortly, will continue to support his team with his knowledge and expertise until the end of the year. We interviewed both about the change in leadership and what’s ahead for Züst & Bachmeier.
Mr. Unger, how long have you been with Züst & Bachmeier in Düsseldorf and what milestones have shaped the development of the branch?
Hans Unger: I have been with the Düsseldorf branch from the start. When we opened in June 2004, there was only three of us whereas today we are a team of ten colleagues. Three years ago, we moved into larger premises and integrated the Universal Transport in Cologne to strengthen competencies and optimize processes. During my time, we have not only developed well in terms of staff, but also in terms of business. Even in challenging times like the 2008/2009 economic crisis or during the 2020/2021 corona pandemic, we were able to maintain a stable order situation. A special focus of our activities is on Southeast Asia, where we take on projects for the energy sector, amongst other things.
What have been your highlights over the past 18 years?
Hans Unger: The biggest thing we ever transported was a complete gas drilling platform. We picked up a wide variety of building materials and elements, including 120,000 tons of pipes, from manufacturers around the world and transported them to the operational area in the Caspian Sea off the coast of Turkmenistan. Depending on the route and the goods to be transported this was done by road, rail and of course charter ship.
Mr Groß, when you hear this, are you looking forward to your new job?
Marcel Gross: Definitely. But it’s also clear to me that I have to follow in Hans Unger’s footsteps. In recent years, himself, and his team, have achieved and built up a great deal together here. I was part of this myself and able to learn from him ever since I started my apprenticeship at Züst & Bachmeier back in 2009. Back then, my father still had to sign my apprenticeship contract because I was under 18. Once I completed my apprenticeship, it was steady progress, before moving to branch management, I worked as a senior project manager.
What are your new responsibilities, and have you already set yourself goals that you would like to achieve in the coming years?
Marcel Groß: I already have some plans on how we can further develop the branch. However, this is always done in close cooperation with the team. We work with very flat hierarchies and also support each other. However, as branch manager I carry the responsibilities and report to the management of the group. My current focus is in the USA, where we already have regular business. I would like to expand this in the future but also in Turkey, which is very close to my heart. To expand activities there, we even hired a new team member.
Hans Unger: Finally, I would like to say that I really enjoyed working here but I’m also looking forward to having more time for volunteer work, going on trips with my wife and learning a new language or two. I think the time is right for changes here at Z&B and after 18 years, many things have settled in, but times are changing, I am sure Marcel Groß will assess things with a fresh perspective and lead our team in Düsseldorf to a bright future. I wish him every success!
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The Universal Transport Group would like to thank Hans Unger for his commitment and outstanding performance for almost two decades, with which he has made a significant contribution to the company’s success. We wish him all the best for the new chapter in his life!
In addition, we welcome Marcel Groß to his new position. We look forward to further cooperation and wish him every success with his old and new tasks.