Worldwide premium logistics specialist Evolution Time Critical has established a new logistics control centre in Bratislava, Slovakia. The country is the world’s largest producer of cars per capita, with automotive-related exports representing around half of Slovakia’s industry. The new office will be key in supporting customers with complex logistics challenges throughout Central Eastern Europe, including Hungary and the Czech Republic. It will be fully operational from March 2023.
As the cost of manufacturing rises around the globe, many European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are “nearshoring” with cost-competitive alternatives that present reduced supply chain risk. This is most notable in Eastern Europe, with a growing automotive supply chain fulfilling many of the continent’s requirements.
Currently, more than a million vehicles are exported every year from Slovakia, with the presence of VW, Stellantis, Kia, Jaguar Land Rover, and more than 350 local suppliers. Additionally, Volvo Cars will soon open a dedicated electric vehicle production facility in the country — its first new European plant in 60 years — to strengthen its battery electric vehicle (BEV) production capacity.
The office will also provide solutions in Hungary, where the automotive industry accounts for 20% of national exports. Currently, four OEMs are operating in the country, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, and Suzuki, and BMW is opening a high-voltage battery assembly plant in 2025, making it an essential location for ETC to deliver rapid, on-the-ground logistics solutions.
Evolution’s newest team will be led by Ladislav Balogh, who has over 15 years of experience solving complex logistics challenges in Central and Eastern Europe. Ladislav will lead a team of six specialists focused on providing premium transport solutions to meet any deadline.
Graham Little, Managing Director of Evolution Time Critical, commented: “Our expansion into Central Eastern Europe aligns closely with the operations and ambitions of our customers. With a robust and growing automotive sector and increasing importance within the European supply chain, quickly and effectively delivering emergency logistics solutions in this region is fundamental to our global network.”
The new Slovakia office will directly link with Evolution’s existing control centres in the UK, USA, Germany and Iberia. With an expanding global network and dedicated regional specialists, ETC is solidifying its position as one of the world’s most versatile and connected emergency logistics providers.
