Hegelmann Group, a German-based international transportation and logistics company, last month launched its operations in North America.

Within the first three years, the company plans to invest about $12 million into establishing Hegelmann USA and kickstarting the growth of the new subsidiary, which will be based in Chicago.

Of that investment, around $2.4 million will be dedicated to strategic growth and operations in 2021.

The fleet will initially consist of 10 trucks. At a later stage, the intention is to expand the fleet with liquified natural gas or electric trucks. Hegelmann also plans to purchase dry van trailers, temperature-controlled trailers, platforms, tankers, and car carrier trailers, company officials said.

 “We had already considered expanding into the USA at the end of 2019. We want to become a global organization that offers its services on the European, North American and Asian continents,” said Andrew Jasinskas, Hegelmann Group’s head of business development, who is responsible for the U.S. expansion. “We want to offer the same range of services in the USA as in Europe very quickly."

The Hegelmann Group also plans to expand its reach in the future towards additional parts of North America, as well as towards Central America. With eyes already set on the Canadian market, the international growth is expected to continue, Hegelmann officials said.

The Hegelmann Group specializes in time-critical deliveries for the automotive, heavy-duty and food industries.