Commenting on the expansion of HHLA's range of services through the acquisition of shares in iSAM AG, Chairwoman of the Executive Board Angela Titzrath explains: "HHLA already demonstrated the potential of automation 20 years ago with the commissioning of Container Terminal Altenwerder. This investment will give HHLA direct access to technological developments in the automation of industrial processes, enabling it to enter new innovative business areas. With this transaction, we are reaffirming our intention to consistently implement our strategy of growth and innovation, even under the special conditions of the coronavirus pandemic."

Bernd Mann, shareholder and CEO of iSAM AG, comments on HHLA's acquisition of the majority stake: "We have known HHLA for over 20 years and have developed the world's first autonomous large-scale equipment based on GPS and 3D Lidar together with companies from the HHLA Group. We look forward to deepening this cooperation and opening up new markets in the automation of container handling under the umbrella of the HHLA Group - a technology on which we have worked intensively in recent years. HHLA also offers our
our company, customers and employees a long-term perspective beyond the founding generation."

Bulk goods terminal at Hansaport successfully automated

iSAM AG currently employs an interdisciplinary team of 50 people. The company is represented by subsidiaries in the core markets of the USA, Australia (Asia) and Canada. Thanks to its strong position in the Australian market in particular, iSAM was able to increase its revenue and profit by 30% in 2020 despite the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.

iSAM AG has already almost completely automated a bulk goods terminal at Hansaport in the Port of Hamburg using control software and 3D laser scanners. iSAM is currently working on the prototype automation of the rail crane 4 at the Container Terminal Altenwerder for the IHATEC Container Terminal 4.0 project and is developing new safety technologies for the work areas shared by man and machine.

Founders and previous shareholders of iSAM continue to bear responsibility

The founders and current shareholders of iSAM AG will continue to hold positions of responsibility in the future. Bernd Mann, who has been Chief Development Officer for many years, will take over as CEO from company founder Dr. Jürgen Hellmich, who will continue to manage the American subsidiary. Bernd Jotzo, previously responsible for Finance and Human Resources on the Management Board, will move to the Supervisory Board. His duties will be taken over by Bernd Mann and Christian Hacks, who will continue to head up the Production division.