40 Years of mst: Reliable on the Road for Generations
The fact that our raw materials now reliably make their way from the extraction site to the customer is the result of a logistics infrastructure that has evolved over decades. It all began 40 years ago with the founding of mst Mineral-Speditions- und Transport-GmbH—a major milestone in the development of Quarzwerke’s logistics operations. Time for a #TBT, a look back:
Quarzwerke’s logistics operations date back to long before the company established its own freight forwarding companies. From an early stage, the company relied on strong partnerships with external freight forwarders. Even back then, their trucks bore the Quarzwerke branding—a visible sign of the close collaboration and the central role that logistics played from the very beginning. These long-standing partnerships later gave rise to independent companies.
On May 26, 1986, Quarzwerke and the freight forwarding company Freund founded mst Mineral-Speditions- und Transport GmbH—mst for short—in Frechen.
Growing customer demands regarding delivery reliability, flexibility, and quality made it necessary to establish an in-house freight forwarding structure and laid the foundation for an independent logistics organization.
Shortly after the company was founded, it became clear that effective logistics involved more than just transportation. In 1987, warehouses with rail connections were established in Mannheim and Stuttgart. This expansion improved proximity to customers and increased response times in key markets.
Expansion of the Network: National and International Structures
In the 1990s, the logistics operations were systematically expanded. Additional companies, such as MITRA Handel- und Spedition GmbH in Gelsenkirchen, as well as PROGREW in Provodin (Czech Republic) and OSGREW in Osiecznica (Poland), expanded the network. This led to the creation of new structures capable of meeting both regional and international transportation needs.
Over time, existing companies have been merged, structures have been adapted, and organizations have been further developed. Acquisitions and name changes reflect the constant evolution of the logistics industry and demonstrate how flexibly the company has responded to changing market conditions. Today, the companies operate their own efficient fleet of 33 trucks and supply our customers with approximately 1 million tons of bulk goods.
Our focus has always remained the same: our goal has always been—and continues to be—to provide reliable, customer-focused care. And because the field is becoming increasingly complex, our experts develop the optimal, customized solution for each individual client.
A look back at 40 years of mst reveals that today’s success is rooted in a history of continuous development. This anniversary is not only an occasion to look back, but also points the way forward.
