Kuehne & Nagel made record profits in 1992: Swiss-based forwarder considers Europe 'core business' even though Asia turned in strongest performance.

Few companies have the worldwide reach of Kuehne & Nagel, the Switzerland-based forwarding and transportation group with 400 offices spread over 60 countries on five continents.

But while Kuehne & Nagel's forwarding and transportation activities extend worldwide, the company says its top priority remains strengthening its home base in Europe.

The opening of Eastern European markets and the changes within the European Community nations have presented new challenges to the 103-year-old K&N, which just completed the most profitable year in its history.

Although ocean and air freight remain Kuehne & Nagel's bread and butter, the group says that in coming years it will pay more attention to a broader definition of logistics.

K&N officials said they will emphasize development of logistical plans tailored to individual customers' needs, especially in Kuehne & Nagel's European base.

"Future planning takes into account the way markets are becoming ever more global, and the way production locations are shifting within the European Community," the company said in announcing its 1992 results.

"Europe is a core business for Kuehne & Nagel," added Ranier Wunn, senior vice president of K&N's U.S. subsidiary. "It's the business area that makes Kuehne & Nagel the size it is today."

In addition to the EC, Kuehne & Nagel also is moving rapidly to develop its Eastern European operation. By the end of this year, the group plans to have 28 branches in 13 East European nations. New companies will be founded this year in Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania and Russia.

Overland Traffic. The easing of trade barriers within the European Community has increased pressure from customers for …