On Track to the Future

Driven by digitalization, globalization, and the current challenges posed by the pandemic, transport and logistics service providers face multiple challenges simultaneously. Wascosa AG, based in Switzerland, is proactively responding to changing market demands with innovative and customer-oriented solutions, establishing new standards as a first mover in the market. For the future, owner Philipp Müller is focusing on digitalization, holistic solutions, a commitment to innovation, and consistent customer orientation.

Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Müller, Wascosa operates in a highly dynamic market. What sets your company apart from competitors?

Philipp Müller: Our primary differentiator is our customized customer solutions. As a family-owned and relatively small-sized company, we have the agility to make swift decisions and tailor our offerings to the individual needs of our clients. Unlike many of our competitors, we think in terms of integrated solutions and offer complete rail freight wagon systems. Our solutions extend beyond mere wagon leasing. Products and services related to the wagons are becoming increasingly important. Our wagons are modern and optionally equipped with innovative features such as telematics, safety elements, or advanced loading and unloading systems. We have the youngest wagon fleet among all major providers in Europe. This concept is complemented by creative, modern leasing models tailored to customer needs. In summary, we offer our customers a wide range of services and features across the entire value chain from a single source. This makes us a trusted partner who is fully aligned with our clients.

Wirtschaftsforum: Can you give us examples of such a collaborative partnership?

Philipp Müller: Since 2007, we have been involved in the development of modular concepts, participating from the initial idea stage. A few years ago, BASF decided to transition from conventional freight wagons to modular wagon concepts with detachable superstructures. Ultimately, this was a product of our joint development and optimization efforts, which led to success. Another project is the development of a modern grain wagon. Together with our customer, we designed an entirely new wagon, resulting in the most efficient grain wagon in Europe. This wagon is approximately 3 tons lighter than those of other providers, which translates into higher payload capacity and thus a substantial efficiency gain. Additionally, the wagon features a very user-friendly loading and unloading mechanism, which has led to high acceptance across Europe.

Wirtschaftsforum: What role does digitalization play in such projects and in the further development of your company?

Philipp Müller: In 2015, we were a first mover in the market when we, together with another service provider, introduced telematics in rail freight at our Asset Intelligence Day in Lucerne. Competitors like Deutsche Bahn followed our lead. Telematics is a crucial component for the digitalization of rail freight. For example, it enables better monitoring of transports and more accurate prediction of expected arrival times. Moreover, we are constantly seeking innovations that can optimize the use of our wagons. This is another aspect that sets us apart from many competitors who specialize solely in wagon leasing.

Wirtschaftsforum: Wascosa has an international presence. Who are your main customer groups and key markets?

Philipp Müller: Our customers include industrial clients like BASF or Shell, who lease wagons from us, as well as railway companies such as Deutsche Bahn. Occasionally, rail freight forwarders are also among our customers. Geographically, Germany remains our largest market, and we expect this to continue. In principle, we aim to grow in all our markets. In the coming years, the DACH region as well as Western and Eastern Europe will remain important. We are also active in the UK and Spain, where we see potential. Overall, we are present in more than 20 countries across Europe.

Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Müller, you took over the family business almost 30 years ago. In your opinion, what is the foundation of Wascosa's success?

Philipp Müller: The foundation of our success lies primarily in our uncompromising customer orientation, our innovative strength, and our commitment to continuous improvement. Our business success is reflected in our satisfied customers. We often perceive changes, new trends, and needs earlier than other providers and can offer solutions sooner. In 1996, we were one of the first 1,000 Swiss companies to have a website. At that time, we were significantly ahead of the curve. It took another five years for the next competitor to have a website. We have a passion for innovation and progress.

Wirtschaftsforum: What plans and innovations have you set for 2021?

Philipp Müller: Digitalization is driving us forward. We aim to complete our digital transformation within the next three years, positioning ourselves a step ahead of the market. Digitalization offers us numerous opportunities to optimize our processes and business model. We also intend to leverage our successful track record and market position to further expand our leasing business and increase our volume.

Wirtschaftsforum: What are your long-term goals for Wascosa?

Philipp Müller: We are currently discussing succession planning with our third generation of the family. We aim to steadily increase the number of wagons to 25,000 to 30,000, while pursuing value-driven growth. In recent years, our guiding principle has been that the interests of our customers take precedence over our own. This will remain the case in the future, as long-term business success can only be ensured through satisfied customers.