Time-critical logistics operator GBA Services has taken the next step in expanding its European network, with the opening of a new operation in Portugal.
GBA Logistics Portugal Lda is based in Lisbon, from where it will provide time-critical pan-European express van and truck services to customers across Europe – specialising in Portugal, Spain and France. The new operation will use GBA-owned vehicles, supplemented by those of its exclusive service partners.
GBA’s new Portuguese office is the latest addition to an expanding European network; it follows the launch of GBA’s German branch on 4th September, and joins GBA’s established operations in the UK, Austria and Poland.
Once GBA’s time-critical operation is fully established in Portugal, it plans to add further services to its offering such as high-security and pharmaceutical transport – replicating its highly-successful UK model.
Says GBA Services’ founder and managing director, David Birkbeck: “Portugal is an important market, with a particular focus on the automotive sector which is one of GBA’s core specialisms, developed over the company’s 30-year history. This creates strong synergies with our established operations in other countries, enabling us to provide additional solutions for current customers, and increasing our scope to utilise vehicle movements more efficiently.”
GBA’s office in Portugal is headed by Luis Monraia, whose past experience includes over twenty years in the management of hazardous goods transport and pan-European express transport operations. He is supported by a team of well-known international express specialists, who collectively speak four languages.
“Express transport in Portugal has traditionally focused on the automotive sector, and this will certainly be GBA’s priority here. But all business sectors have a regular need for time-critical transport, so we intend to broaden our marketing effort to attract customers from other industries.” Says Monraia: “The team in Portugal has a highly-developed understanding of serving customers whose businesses depend on fast and punctual deliveries. They have all earned a reputation for gold standard customer service, and we believe that – coupled with GBA’s resources and proven capabilities – this will give GBA a real market advantage here.”
