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Successful collaboration between HNF-Nicolai and De Boer

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Successful collaboration between HNF-Nicolai and De Boer

A partnership that came about through word of mouth — and quickly grew into a strong collaboration. Isaque Dias, Site Manager at De Boer Group Germany, explains what the partnership with HNF-Nicolai entails, how rapidly it expanded, and what the shared ambitions are.

“HNF-Nicolai produces premium electric bicycles of the highest quality,” says Isaque. “In 2019, the company was acquired by Hero Cycles, the largest e-bike manufacturer in the world. Yet HNF-Nicolai still operates under its own brand. Both companies share the ambition to conquer the European market. And for that, they needed a logistics partner with the capacity to grow alongside them.”

“We now transport 5,000 bikes and 800 pallets of parts to around 600 dealers in Europe.”
Isaque Dias,
Site Manager at De Boer Group Germany

A flying start

The initial discussions were immediately very positive. Isaque explains: “HNF-Nicolai had full confidence in the collaboration because of our strong references and the fact that we have a warehouse in Germany. So in November 2022, we began transporting 600 e-bikes from Germany, Bulgaria, and India to various countries across Europe. HNF-Nicolai was very pleased right from the start. The method of transport, our efforts to prevent damage to the e-bikes, our reporting style, and our responsiveness and ability to adjust quickly — all of that really impressed them.”

Unprecedented expansion of services

“And so the collaboration expanded at a rapid pace,” Isaque continues. “We now transport 5,000 bicycles and 800 pallets of parts to around 600 dealers in Europe. HNF-Nicolai also asked us to make additional warehouse space available so they could close their own warehouse. We now also handle a small part of their fulfilment. Within a year, we nearly tenfolded the transport volume and expanded our activities with new services.”

Conquering the European market together

To conquer the European market, you need a partner you can rely on, says Isaque. “HNF-Nicolai sees that partner in us. We have both expressed that we want to achieve that growth ambition together. We have enough capacity to continue developing, and the collaboration is excellent. We understand each other well, communication is smooth, and the lines are short. All the ingredients to continue growing together are there. The past year has shown just how fast things can move.”

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