Forto is further expanding into eastern European markets with a new office in Warsaw, Poland and the appointment Pawel Skwarlo as director of Poland.
The provider of digitised freight forwarding and supply chain solutions across air, sea and rail said the location, within reach of Warsaw, Katowice and Gdańsk airports, forms part of an important logistics network and offers fast access to all leading markets in Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Skwarlo has joined Forto after serving as airfreight director for Warsaw-based OMIDA Sea and Air S.A. While at OMIDA, Skwarlo opened a branch focused on airfreight - building up the business and team from the ground up.
With more than than 20 years of experience in transport and logistics, Skwarlo has held a variety of ocean/sea freight product and trade lane management roles for providers such as UTi Worldwide Inc. and DB Schenker Sp.
“Pawel’s experience working with customers and building partner relationships in the local market is just what we need to expand our presence and provide digitally-driven logistics to customers in the region,” said Michael Wax, Forto co-founder and chief executive. “It’s exciting to have someone with Pawel’s knowledge and track record on board.”
Skwarlo said: “Poland is currently experiencing an exciting momentum, especially in logistics. We have a lot to do when it comes to simplifying processes – especially in digitalisation. Forto brings exactly the right skillset with its offer. With our digital approach, we can bring new experiences to customers in Poland.”
Forto teams in Poland include local customer account management, logistics operations, and technical engineers supported by Forto’s international network of logistics, operational, and technical teams around the world."
Since it was founded in 2016, Forto has grown from a small team in Berlin to a worldwide presence - with offices across Germany and Asia, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Singapore and Hong Kong.
In 2021, the company expanded its operations with offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Madrid, Rotterdam, and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2022, Forto said it plans to further expand its footprint to customers in Belgium, Sweden and southern Europe.
Earlier this year, the company announced a new Series D investment of $250m led by Disruptive and including participation from previous investors including Softbank Vision Fund 2, G Squared, Northzone, Unbound, and A.P. Moeller Holding.
