Knauf Interfer strengthens the partner network of the logistics startup hub startport
As an exclusive partner, Knauf Interfer supports startport, the subsidiary of Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport), in innovating logistics in the Rhine-Ruhr region. The startport exclusive partners support the innovation platform for logistics and supply chain both conceptually and financially.
Logistics Expertise for startport Startups
Knauf Interfer is one of the leading specialists for steel and aluminum solutions in an environmentally and socially demanding market environment. In 2021, the headquarters were relocated to Duisburg, close to production. As a new startport exclusive partner, Knauf Interfer now supports startups as a sparring partner and user. “Duisburg has an excellent infrastructure and is the logistics hub for the markets of the future. Especially with regard to sustainability, the trimodal location is ideal for sourcing raw materials, shipping finished materials, or returning production scrap to the cycle,” says Dr. Kay Oppat, Member of the Executive Board / CTO of Knauf Interfer.
Alessandro Benassi, Startup Manager at startport, is confident: “The transformation process that the Knauf Interfer Group recently completed offers an excellent perspective for logistics startups and their innovative business models.”
Partner Network Crucial for startport’s Success
The innovation platform startport is committed to anchoring innovative technologies at the location. This is achieved by initiating projects between startups and established companies that make logistics more digital, efficient, and sustainable. With this objective, startport supports young startups in two startup programs, the startport Incubator and Accelerator. “startport is a success story: After the first startups moved in in January 2018, we now look back on an established startup hub with many startups and successful pilot projects. This success is also based on our strong partner network,” says startport Managing Director Alexander Garbar. The duisport Group subsidiary pursues an open partner model and is supported conceptually and financially by other regional players such as Duisburg Intermodal Terminal, Wirtschaftsbetriebe Duisburg, Bohnen Logistik, and duisport.