With artificial intelligence, automated processes and sustainable transport technology, Hero Group GmbH, supported by startport, is sending a strong signal for the future of the supply chain. The new partnership not only wants to identify trends — but also actively shape them.
From left to right: Johannes Franke (managing director startport), Dr. Thorsten Steinmann (managing director Wahl GmbH & Co. KG), Spasko Nikolov (managing director Hero Group), Andrea Peters (innovation manager startport), Niklas Heese (Chief of Staff, Controlling team leader) at the kick-off workshop in Bielefeld on the roof next to the photovoltaic system.
With artificial intelligence, automated processes and sustainable transport technology, Hero Group GmbH, supported by startport, is sending a strong signal for the future of the supply chain. The new partnership not only wants to identify trends — but also actively shape them.
Duisburg, 28.07.2025 — On July 1, 2025, the cooperation between startport, the innovation platform in the Port of Duisburg, and Hero Group GmbH, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions with a focus on sustainability and digitalization, was launched. The partnership focuses on a common goal: the development and application of AI-based, automated and environmentally friendly solutions for the supply chain.
Hero Group GmbH: Green logistics meets digitization
The prelude was an intensive workshop on July 4 at the Hero Group in Bielefeld under the motto “Ready for tomorrow's logistics”, discussing current developments, trends and specific use cases of artificial intelligence in the areas of fleet management, scheduling, route optimization and automation of administrative processes.
As a medium-sized 3PL service provider, Hero Group GmbH offers a fully integrated, digitally transparent and sustainable supply chain solution — from transport and storage to individual advice. The company is using a consistent green logistics program with electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, HVO diesel and its own PV power generation.
Innovation through strong networking
“Our vision is to see sustainable logistics not only as a duty, but as a driver of innovation. The partnership with startport is a logical step for us to place AI, automation and green technologies even more at the center of our processes,” explains Spasko Nikolov, managing director of Hero Group GmbH.
The cooperation gives Hero Group access to a strong network of startport startups, technology partners and research institutions.
Andrea Peters, Innovation Manager and Authorized Representative of startport, is delighted: “With Hero Group, we have gained a partner who not only thinks about the digital and green transformation of logistics, but actively lives it. Together, we want to take the next step towards smart, automated supply chains. ”
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About Hero Group GmbH
Hero Group GmbH combines the end-to-end performance of a large 3PL (transport, warehouse, consulting) with the agility of a medium-sized company and thus provides a fully integrated, digitally transparent supply chain solution from a single source. This overall package is supplemented by a consistent green logistics program with E/H₂ trucks, HVO diesel and our own PV power, which demonstrably reduces the CO₂ footprint and at the same time meets the highest quality and ESG requirements.
https://www.herogroup.eu
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