History of the GLS Group
The GLS Group was founded at the end of 1999 and emerged from German Parcel, an association of German freight forwarders. Within a few years, GLS built up a European parcel network which today is one of the largest on the continent. In 2016, GLS began a focused geographic expansion in North America.
Milestones
2020
- Martin Seidenberg becomes the new CEO of GLS Group.
- The GLS Group has been awarded Silver status from EcoVadis for the second time
2019
- Mexico: Estafeta becomes GLS partner.
- USA: GLS buys the LTL provider Mountain Valley Express (MVE).
- USA: Change of name from GSO to General Logistics Systems US (GLS US).
2018
- Spain: GLS acquires express parcel service provider Redyser Transporte.
- Rico Back, CEO of GLS Group from 1999 to 2018, is appointed CEO of Royal Mail Group.
- James Rietkerk becomes the new CEO of GLS Group, Thorsten Pruin the new CFO.
- Canada: GLS acquires the parcel service provider Dicom Canada.
2017
- EcoVadis certification of the sustainability management system of the GLS Group
- USA: GLS takes over the overnight parcel service Postal Express
- GLS Group invests 100 million euros in the European network.
2016
- Spain: GLS acquires the express parcel service provider ASM.
- USA: GLS takes over the Californian parcel service GSO.
2014
- The first sustainability report of the GLS Group is published, with information on environmental activities and social commitment. Further reports will follow in 2016 and 2018.
2013
- Croatia: GLS founds its own company, which offers nationwide service right from the start.
- Completion of the group-wide certification of the quality management system (ISO 9001) and the environmental management system (ISO 14001)
2008
- Strengthening of environmental protection activities: GLS launches the ThinkGreen initiative.
2007
- Romania: GLS founds its own company with nationwide service.
2006
- Belgium: GLS takes over the freight and parcel service ABX Belgium Distribution.
2005
- Czech Republic: GLS founds its own company with nationwide service
2004
- Slovakia: GLS founds its own company with nationwide service
2003
- GLS introduces a uniform quality management system throughout Europe.
2002
- Start of the Europe-wide uniform GLS branding and renaming of numerous GLS companies.
2001
- Poland: GLS acquires shares in Szybka Paczka Spólka and enters the Polish parcel market.
- Finland: GLS takes over General Parcel Finland.
2000
- Acquisitions and start of activities in Austria, Denmark, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Slovenia and the Netherlands.
1999
- Foundation of General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS) as a subsidiary of the English Royal Mail Group
- Establishment and expansion of activities in Germany, Hungary and Ireland.
To the complete GLS history