Our history

Once upon a time, in 1989, 25 brave forwarders had a daring idea: build a national parcel service provider in the geographic centre of Germany. German Parcel was born, to be the starting point of the unprecedented story of the GLS Group.

1989

1989

In Neuenstein (Germany) the starting signal for a dynamic upward development was given - German Parcel was founded.

1989

In Neuenstein (Germany) the starting signal for a dynamic upward development was given - German Parcel was founded.

1992

1992

General Parcel, the European franchise system was founded.

1992

General Parcel, the European franchise system was founded.

1999

1999

Royal Mail Group acquires German Parcel and General Logistics Systems (GLS) was founded.

1999

Royal Mail Group acquires German Parcel and General Logistics Systems (GLS) was founded.

1999 - 2002

1999 - 2002

The GLS network was established through acquisitions and founding of companies in numerous countries.

1999 - 2002

The GLS network was established through acquisitions and founding of companies in numerous countries.

2002

2002

Launch of the common GLS brand.

2002

Launch of the common GLS brand.

2003 - 2007

2003 - 2007

Introduction of a uniform quality management system, further network expansion, foundation of GLS IT Services and technological advancements.

2003 - 2007

Introduction of a uniform quality management system, further network expansion, foundation of GLS IT Services and technological advancements.

2008 - 2015

2008 - 2015

Launch of ThinkGreen activities, continuous network expansion and introduction of dedicated 2C services

2008 - 2015

Launch of ThinkGreen activities, continuous network expansion and introduction of dedicated 2C services

2016 - 2020

2016 - 2020

Focussed geographic expansion in North America, investments in network infrastructure.

2016 - 2020

Focussed geographic expansion in North America, investments in network infrastructure.