
Modular, customer-oriented
Whether it be for the offshore wind industry, defence equipment or mechanical engineering – Goldhofer supplies transport solutions for the heavyweights of the economy. In Rotterdam Robert Steinhauser explained to Andreas Haug how the company positioned itself at Breakbulk Europe 2025, which trends are shaping the industry and why it’s crucial to think outside the box.
Mr Steinhauser, how well is Goldhofer positioned in 2025?
We’re present at Breakbulk Europe and Breakbulk Americas with a broad team from sales, service and marketing – this shows how important these trade fairs are for us. Rotterdam and Houston are two of the most important platforms for breakbulk and specialist logisticians, with a powerful international reach. Our exchanges with customers, partners and market participants in particular make these trade fairs indispensable for us.
What strategic topics are in the foreground for you and your firm?
Mainly the challenges and opportunities in the offshore wind industry. We’ll be showing transport solutions for tower sections, rotor blades, nacelles and foundation components.
These include blade transport devices of various kinds, heavy-duty modules and also towed vehicles. Our modular product philosophy is crucial here – customers can expand their fleets flexibly and economically.
What other industries in particular drive your business forward?
In addition to wind energy, they are classic plant manufacturers and the construction industry. Heavy goods such as transformers, ships or large castings also continue to be transported frequently. In many countries, the public sector is investing more in infrastructure projects – and we benefiting directly from this.
How has Goldhofer responded to ever-increasing demand for more sustainable transport solutions?
Our focus is on efficiency and durability. We increasingly rely on digital solutions, for example for route planning, axle load calculation and remote monitoring. We also keep an open mind on alternative drives. Fully electric heavy-duty vehicles are still a long way off, of course, but hybrid approaches and intelligent logistics management are already helping to reduce emissions.
You mentioned new markets – where do you see growth potential?
North America remains a key market for us, even if political uncertainties currently playing a key role there. In South America we’ve observed growing momentum, especially in Brazil. The Middle East is also showing increasing interest in special vehicles. The decisive element remains our willingness to invest in long-term customer relationships, not in quick deals.
How do you see the role of digitalisation and services?
Digital tools help to make our customers’ everyday lives easier – whether this is through online configurators, service portals or real-time data of vehicle usage. At the same time we focus on personal proximity. Our service hubs in Europe, the USA and Asia offer our customers fast support, training and spare parts logistics.
Today the Goldhofer Foundation continues the work of the family business, which was founded 320 years ago as a blacksmith’s workshop. How does this affect your strategy?
It creates continuity. Our thinking is long-term, not quarterly. Our customers know this. For us, innovation means not only new products, but also new forms of collaboration. Partnerships on an equal footing are more important to us than short-term success.
What is your personal outlook for the next few years?
We’re facing a decade of transformation – technologically, politically, ecologically. The requirements for transport solutions are becoming ever more complex. But we’ll stay close to the market, listen and offer solutions that are based on effective needs. If we continue to do this I’ll remain optimistic.