German Potholes Risk Growth Prospects in Land of Autobahn

For SMS Siemag AG, a pothole isn’t just a pothole.

The maker of metal-processing plants, which ships products around the world, says damaged bridges makes getting them from its headquarters in Hilchenbach, Germany, to harbors such as Hamburg or Antwerp the hardest part. Transport of parts that weigh between 50 tons and 300 tons takes four times longer than it did in 2010 and has become five times more expensive.