On 1st July 1858, Carl Hartwig, a citizen of the Great Duchy of Poznań, set up a small tannery, which soon turned into a company providing services to fairs and exhibitions.
Meantime, the progress in agriculture, industry, and trade resulted in an increased demand for transportation services; the market value of experts specializing in transportation regulations and customs, tariffs, and the science of goods suddenly increased.
Carl Hartwig decided to meet the growing new needs. Soon, a forwarding company by the name of C.Hartwig was cooperating with railway associations, dealing with the transport of goods to and from railway stations. It also dealt with packing and storage of goods, delivered building and heating materials, and provided moving services.
