Page 19 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 02.19

German parquet for China’s floors
Cars, automotive parts and machinery are seen as Germany’s most important exports to China. Yet German companies are also proving to be popular suppliers in other sectors.
Parkett Hinterseer has been producing and distribut- ing floor coverings for over 115 years. In Germany the company is represented in 27 locations, includ- ing Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. There’s also a branch in Czechia. Basi- cally, Parkett Hinterseer responds to demand world- wide. China has been a steady market for some years now. The company steers its exports via the Port of Hamburg.
EUROPEAN PRODUCTS ENJOY A GOOD REPUTATION
Products from Germany and Eu- rope are in demand on the Asian market thanks to their good repu- tation. The Chinese value quality, dependability and service. Foun- ded back in 1904, this family-led enterprise stands for these quali- ties.
In China, Parkett Hinterseer works alongside a general im- porter that in turn supervises the individual sales outlets on the spot. Clients differ a great deal, from retail customers via design- ers and architects to the trade. There is a demand for floor cov- erings in all prices segments, so ‘Parquet – Made in Germany’ is of interest for small and mega customers.
HIGH DENSITY OF LINER SERVICES
The short distances from its Ber- lin and Hamburg warehouses, high density of liner services to China, and reliability of the stock location are the reasons why Par- kett Hinterseer ships via the Port of Hamburg. So far the company has had no reason to complain of damage in transport or any de- lays worth mentioning. In addi- tion, the parquet wholesaler’s forwarder is based in Greater Hamburg.
Parkett Hinterseer has so far relied on sea transport for its exports to China. In future the New Silk Road could be an option for urgent shipments. The German company has actually tested rail services to China in the past. Owing to a few problems with service and quality, however, these did not prove satisfactory.
If the route is further expanded and better organized in future, the rail link will perhaps be an alternative for rush orders. Yet sea transport remains a reliable, economical alternative for transport to China. ■
CHINA IS A LONG-STANDING EXPORT MARKET FOR THE GERMAN SUPPLIER HINTERSEER PARKETT
HAMBURG AND CHINA ■
Port of Hamburg Magazine | June 2019 | 19