JF Hillebrand expands Australia presence

JF Hillebrand expands Australia presence    JF Hillebrand has strengthened its wine and beverage logistics services in Australia with the acquisition of freight forwarder John Crack Freight Services (JCFS).
   Based in the port of Adelaide, JCFS has been in business for 18 years, providing forwarding services to wineries throughout Australia. The company also operates an 8,000-square-meter warehouse and container-packing depot.
   JF Hillebrand said it will retain JCFS's identity and existing structure, and all customer contacts will remain unchanged. However, JCFS will connect with the Hillebrand Group's global network.
   'Our clients will enjoy a wider selection of route options and improved access to space and equipment, supported by JF Hillebrand's global network and information management systems,' said John Crack, managing director of JCFS, in a statement.
   Mainz, Germany-based JF Hillebrand, a specialist in the logistics of wines, spirits and beers since 1844, has 45 offices worldwide with a staff of about 1,500 people. The company reported a throughput topping 268,000 containers in 2009, equating to more than 1.4 billion cases of wine.